CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Though West Virginia lawmakers may have delayed the start of the 2025 Legislative Session to allow new Governor Patrick Morrisey 30 days to acclimate himself, the controversy, legal challenges, and public outrage is well underway.
The state’s Senate and House of Delegates gaveled-in on Jan. 8 for what was to be mostly ceremonial housekeeping. Both bodies took their oaths of office and elected their leadership, before hearing farewell remarks from now Senator Jim Justice. Pictures were taken, hands were shaken, and members offered full-throated support for once-and-future rivals.
That support, however, was short-lived…