CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Matt Herridge has announced that he will be stepping down from his role as West Virginia GOP chair.
Herridge, who was elected in January 2024, announced his plans via email last week. He says his resignation will become effective at the end of the GOP’s summer meeting in Morgantown on July 26.
Herridge also serves as the state’s secretary of commerce. Governor Patrick Morrisey appointed him to that role in January.
In his email to peers, Herridge said his new role is now commanding his full effort and attention.
“As of July 1, the Division of Economic Development — which includes the Offices of Energy, Broadband, Community Advancement & Development, and the Small Business Development Center — was formally added to the Department of Commerce. This significant department expansion underscores the confidence that the Legislature and Governor have placed in me, and as I take on this unique responsibility, I must dedicate my full attention to this critical mission,” Herridge said.
Herridge thanked Morrisey personally in his email.
“Governor Patrick Morrisey, whose bold vision and principled leadership have inspired confidence not only in me but across our state. I want to personally thank Governor Morrisey for his trust, his clear commitment to conservative governance, and his consistent support during this time of transition. His administration is focused, decisive, and results-driven, and I am honored to be a part of his cabinet. I have every confidence that under his leadership, West Virginia’s best days are still ahead,” Herridge said.
Herridge also offered his thanks to other leaders, such as U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, Congresswoman Carol Miller, Congressman Riley Moore, State Treasurer Larry Pack, and more.
On Saturday, U.S. Senator Jim Justice took to X to endorse Boone County Delegate Josh Holstein to succeed Herridge.
I am proud to endorse and support Josh Holstein for West Virginia GOP Chair!
Josh is a true conservative, born and raised right here in the Mountain State—Josh knows our values, our people, and how to win.
I’m all in on Josh! 🇺🇸 #WVGOP
— Jim Justice (@JimJusticeWV) July 12, 2025