DOUG SKAFF

CHARLESTON – Doug Skaff, a former Democratic lawmaker and House Minority Leader as of the summer, announced Thursday he switched his voter registration to the Republican Party and was launching a campaign for secretary of state.

Skaff made his announcement on WV MetroNews Talkline with host Hoppy Kercheval. Skaff also issued a press release announcing his campaign later that same day.

“It has been an honor to serve the people of this state as a delegate, and I look forward to using my past experiences and leadership style in government and business as Secretary of State,” Skaff said.

“As secretary of state, I will protect our freedom and fundamental right to vote,” Skaff continued. “We must maintain secure, accessible and fair elections for all West Virginians. I will continue and expand on the many reforms implemented by the Secretary of State’s Office and the Legislature to instill confidence, accessibility, and integrity in everything the office does.”

Skaff was elected to the House of Delegates in 2008 representing parts of Kanawha County and served two terms. He ran and won again in 2018 and is in his third consecutive term.

The House Democratic Caucus chose Skaff as its minority leader twice after former House Minority Leader Tim Miley, D-Harrison, declined to seek re-election. Skaff was minority leader in 2020 and again in 2022.

In an announcement in August, Skaff said he would step down as minority leader at the end of August interim meetings and the August special session called by Gov. Jim Justice. Delegate Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, was chosen by the Democratic caucus to serve as minority leader, succeeding Skaff..

In September, Skaff resigned from his House seat. Gov. Jim Justice appointed paralegal Hollis T. Lewis to serve the remainder of Skaff’s term.

Skaff is the president of HD Media, the owner of several newspapers including The Charleston Gazette-Mail. Skaff also owns and manages his family’s businesses, including a building materials supply company.

The secretary of state is the state’s chief elections officer and business registrar, keeper of the State Seal and other executive branch documents, appointments and other official records. The office also oversees charities and nonprofits, administrator of the Uniform Commercial Code, and manages legislative and emergency rules.

“I am passionate about serving the people of West Virginia and remain dedicated to upholding West Virginia’s hardworking and conservative principles,” Skaff said. “I possess the necessary skills and experience to excel in this role.”

Mac Warner, secretary of state since 2017, is one of several Republican candidates for governor of West Virginia in 2024.

At least seven Republicans have announced for Secretary of State including Skaff: Delegate Chris Pritt, R-Kanawha; Putnam County Clerk Brian Wood; former Monroe County Sen. Kenny Mann; Ken Reed, a former 59th District delegate and former member of the Morgan County Commission; Buckhannon resident Steven Harris; and Sand Fork native Wesley Self.

When Skaff returned to the House in 2019, 41 members were in the Democratic Caucus. Since then, the Democratic minority in the House has dwindled to 11 members. Delegate Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, chairman of the West Virginia Democratic Party, sent a statement Thursday wondering how Skaff can change parties and run away from his record as a Democratic elected official.

“While I appreciate Doug finally putting his cards on the table about his long-rumored, politically expedient party switch, I’m surprised he would try to reinvent himself as a right-wing conservative in the process,” Pushkin said.

Pushkin cited Skaff’s opposition to Republican efforts to pass a near-ban on abortion access, allowing handguns on college campuses and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

“I know Doug has long been intoxicated by the idea of winning a statewide office,” Pushkin said. “Still, his candidacy could leave Republican primary voters with a hangover when they find out about his actual voting record. Nevertheless, we wish him well in all his affairs.”

In a statement Thursday, the West Virginia Republican Party raised issues about Skaff’s voting record and sponsored legislation during his time as a Democratic member of the House.

“Skaff was a reliable vote for his caucus’ liberal agenda and a regular vote against many pieces of conservative Republican legislation that we now call law,” said West Virginia Republican Executive Committee Chairwoman Elgine McArdle.

In 2021, Skaff was a sponsor of a bill that would have allowed absentee voting upon request with no excuses needed, the mailing of absentee ballots to all voters, allow for absentee ballot drop-off boxes, and allow an individual to drop-off up to 10 absentee ballots on behalf of others. The Republican Party also cited Skaff’s vote against a bill to prohibit transgender girls and women from playing in high school and college sports.

“The West Virginia Republican Party recognizes the philosophical nuances that can exist within the Party and welcomes those who genuinely believe in our cause; however, Republican voters are sometimes tasked with differentiating between ‘philosophical nuances’ and ‘diametric ideological opposition,'” McArdle said. “Now that Skaff is labeling himself as a ‘Republican,’ despite his storied liberal record in the House, the upcoming primary is one of those times.”