Del. Suzette Raines (R-Kanawha, 35) cited “personal reasons” in her announcement Thursday about her plans to withdrawal her name from the ballot for the Nov. 4 General Election.
The decision comes weeks after the Democratic Executive Committee filed a complaint against Raines claiming she had lied about where she lives. She was also accused of not filing the paperwork required of candidates by set deadlines.
Raines has said Democrats are waging an “ugly political battle” against her.
Last week, Raines’ landlords filed a lawsuit in attempt to evict her from a Charleston home, though she denied their allegations.
Raines was first elected to the House of Delegates in 2012. At one point, the Belle native had considered running for the state Senate and for the U.S. House of Representatives before deciding to again run for a seat in the state House.
She received more than 21 percent of the vote in the May Primary Election.
Raines does plan to serve out the remainder of her term.
According to the Secretary of State’s office, Raines had not yet officially withdrawn from the race as of early Thursday afternoon.
State election officials said there is no automatic trigger to replace a candidate. If Raines does officially withdrawal, she or the Kanawha County Republican Executive Committee must get permission from the five-member state Election Commission to replace her on the ballot.
That Commission would permit a replacement only if it determines there are circumstances that prevent the candidate from serving, if elected. If not, the spot on the ballot will be left vacant.