The chairman of the House Health & Human Resources Committee announced he is resigning from the Legislature because a job change will require moving out of district.
Jordan Hill, R-Nicholas, had already planned not to run again for re-election.
Now, though, his resignation will be official May 28.
“It has been my absolute honor and privilege to represent the people of Nicholas and Greenbrier counties these past five-and-a-half years,” Hill stated today.
“However, I recently accepted a job with the city of Bridgeport that will require my family and I relocate out of the district.”
According to state code, the district’s Republican executive committee will have 15 days from Hill’s resignation date to submit to Gov. Jim Justice the names of three potential replacements to serve out the rest of his term. Upon receiving that list, the Governor will have five days to appoint a replacement.
West Virginia’s Primary Election is June 9, which is 12 days after Hill’s planned departure.
Candidates for the House seat include Duane Bragg, a Democrat, and Heather Glasko-Tully, a Republican. Neither faces primary opposition.
Hill first took office in 2015, when Republicans flipped the House of Delegates.
Hill defeated incumbent Delegate Adam Young, a Democrat, in 2014. Young had defeated Hill two years earlier.
Hill again defeated Young in 2016.
“I thank the people of the 41st District for giving me the opportunity to be their voice in the Legislature,” Hill stated today. “We’ve accomplished a great deal to move our state forward since 2015, and I know that momentum will continue into the future.”
House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, said he will miss serving with Hill in the House.
“It’s always sad to see a friend and colleague go, but I understand Jordan’s desire to do what’s best for his family,” Hanshaw said.
“I want to thank him for his dedicated service and leadership of the House Health and Human Resources Committee this past year, particularly in shepherding comprehensive foster care reforms that earned broad, bipartisan support. He will be missed.”