CHARLESTON, W.Va. — House of Delegates Speaker Roger Hanshaw has made some changes in House leadership heading into the beginning of the 2023 60-day regular legislative session.
The appointments, not yet publicly announced by Hanshaw, have been confirmed by MetroNews.
Former House Finance Chairman Eric Householder, R-Berkeley, will become House Majority Leader replacing Del. Amy Summers, R-Taylor.
Del. Vernon Criss, R-Wood, has been the finance committee vice-chair, moves up to the chair the finance committee.
Hanshaw has appointed Del. Marty Gearheart, R-Mercer, as majority whip, and Del. Paul Espinosa, R-Jefferson, as speaker pro tem.
Current speaker pro tem Del. Gary Howell, R-Mineral, takes over a new economic development committee.
MetroNews “Talkline” Host Hoppy Kercheval reports Hanshaw is still trying to figure out what to do with the health committee.
Hanshaw was rechosen House Speaker by the GOP caucus earlier this month by a 53-30 margin over Del. Brandon Steele, R-Raleigh. Steele has been the chairman of the House Government Organization Committee. It’s likely Hanshaw will also make a change there.
Hanshaw promised changes during a Dec. 5 appearance on “Talkline.”
“Suffice to say we will have some significant reorganization of our leadership,” Hanshaw said.
Hanshaw was first elected speaker in August 2018 after former speaker Tim Armstead left the House to become a member of the state Supreme Court.
The 60-day legislative session will start on Wed., Jan. 11.