CHARLIE REYNOLDS

WHEELING — Delegate Charlie Reynolds has resigned his legislative office to take a job as superintendent of District 6 with the West Virginia Division of Highways.

Reynolds — a Republican who represented Marshall County and the 6th Delegate District — informed House Speaker Roger Hanshaw of his resignation by letter on Friday.

“This decision was not made lightly, but after careful consideration of my personal and professional priorities,” Reynolds stated in the letter.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the constituents of the 6th District in the House of Delegates. I am grateful for the trust and support that I have received from the community over the years. Working alongside my fellow delegates and contributing to the legislative process has been a fulfilling experience.”

He added that during his tenure he has had the opportunity “to work on several important initiatives and policies” that impacted both the district and the state, and he is proud of the progress made.

“However, after much reflection, I have decided to pursue a different path in my life, one that requires my full attention and dedication,” he stated. “I believe this decision is in the best interest of both my constituents and myself.”

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the constituents, my fellow delegates, and the staff for their unwavering support and dedication throughout my time in office. It has been an incredible journey, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have served our community.”

Reynolds was first elected to the House in 2020, and is in the middle of his second term.

His resignation opens up the 6th District seat, and the Marshall County Executive Committee will need to begin the process of accepting applications from those interested in filling the position.

Marshall County Chairwoman Carole Wood said the notice of the vacancy was already posted on the West Virginia Republican Party’s website Friday afternoon. Interested applicants will have until Oct. 16 to submit their letters to the committee.

The committee will meet to interview the applicants, and the names of three will be selected to send to Gov. Jim Justice. Justice then will appoint the new delegate from among the names.

Wood expects the committee will receive a number of letters.

“I asked Charlie if he knew anybody who might be interested, and he said he would send me three names,” she said. “I also have one.”

She added Reynolds was “a great delegate for us.”

“I could dial him, and he was right there,” Wood continued. “He was very hands-on. He always let us know what was going on down there.

“His time in the House was well-spent. We’ll miss him.”

Reynolds previously worked as a railroad safety inspector. He said he will start his new job with the State Department of Highways on Tuesday.

He termed his time in the Legislature “the best experience I ever had in my life.”

“I’m excited, but I’m equally sad I have to leave,” Reynolds said Friday afternoon. “It was the best position I ever had. The constituents were the best, I represented the best county in the best state in the United States.”

He noted it was a decision he pondered “for weeks.”

“A lot of people were taken aback when I resigned. The House was shocked,” Reynolds said. “It has been a decision I’ve had to struggle with. But in my situation, I’ve had to travel a lot and I thought this was the best move. I think I can help my constituents more in this position.”