Erikka Storch, a state lawmaker from Wheeling, is leaving the House of Delegates.
“After a great deal of thought, prayer and discussion with my family, I have decided to pursue and accept a private-sector opportunity that will not allow me to continue service in the Legislature,” Storch, R-Ohio, wrote in a resignation letter to House Speaker Roger Hanshaw.
Storch will start work as an external affairs manager for AEP, multiple news outlets reported.
Storch has been serving as chairwoman of the House Pensions and Retirement Committee. She has also been in a House leadership position, deputy majority whip.
She was first elected to the Legislature in 2010. In the most recent election, the first representing a single-member district, Storch defeated her Democratic opponent, attorney Teresa Toriseva, by 4,789 votes to 1,794.
“I am grateful to the people who sent me to serve them for the trust they placed in me,” Storch wrote in her resignation letter.
“As I reflect on my time within our legislative body, I am thankful for the time I had participating in the process, the contributions I was able to offer on behalf of the people of my district and the trust placed in me by you and your leadership team.
Storch has served as president of the Chamber of Commerce in Ohio County and is a former chief financial officer for Ohio Valley Steel Company.
The Republican executive committee in Ohio County will now come up with three potential legislative replacements, and Gov. Jim Justice will choose the one to serve out the term.
Justice just recently selected another new delegate, Anitra Hamilton of Monongalia County. Hamilton will serve out the term vacated by Danielle Walker, who resigned to take a position leading ACLU of West Virginia.