photo by: Joselyn King

West Virginia Republican Party Chairwoman Elgine McArdle works at her day job at the McArdle Law Offices in Wheeling.

WHEELING – West Virginia Republican Party Chairwoman Elgine McArdle will officially inform party officials today she is stepping down from the post.

McArdle, a Wheeling attorney, said she will send out an email today announcing her resignation. But she will remain chair until her successor is selected at the WVGOP winter meeting on Jan 20 at the Sheraton Hotel in Charleston.

McArdle will announce her future plans following adjournment of the meeting.

The 2024 election filing season starts Monday morning, and McArdle said she plans to be first in line at the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office with former President Donald Trump’s candidacy filing.

“The West Virginia Republican Party made great strides towards a remarkable and distinguished 2023 thanks to people like you, however, we are only beginning this road to prosperity for our great state, ” she states in her email to state Republicans. “As we turn the page to the all-important 2024 election cycle, the WVGOP has its sights set on lofty goals.

“We have created an infrastructure to achieve historic victories in non-partisan races in May and, while we have accomplished our lofty goal in the retirement of Joe Manchin, we must be vigilant in retiring the other ‘Joe’ – and all Democrats – in the upcoming November election. That said, our efforts in diligent fundraising have placed the WVGOP in sound financial condition to focus on carrying our candidates across the goal line in 2024. The 2024 election cycle will be historical, action-packed, the stakes are high.”

She provided data indicating the WVGOP has raised $527,745 since she took over as chairwoman on July 30, 2022.

Additionally, past debt of the West Virginia State Executive Committee – the governing body of the WVGOP – “will be forgiven and wiped out,” according to McArdle. She said approximately $35,000 in unpaid invoices have now been paid in full and there are no outstanding invoices.

McArdle added she is “comforted and inspired that the state of our West Virginia Republican Party is strong, improving, and something in which the Republican voters and elected officials can take pride.”

“In the last 18 months, the WVGOP team has built a solid foundation upon which it can build its future – a future which will take on new leadership,” she continued. “As the Party continues its important work, I will soon relinquish my leadership position in the West Virginia Republican Party.

“Effective upon the adjournment of our Winter Meeting and following the election of my successor on Jan. 20, 2024, I will share the reasons for my difficult decision to relinquish my leadership position in the West Virginia Republican Party. It has been a true pleasure to serve the WVGOP, its electorate, and alongside some of the most quality individuals and leaders. Always know that I will continue to keep up the fight for West Virginians, our faith, freedom, and family.”

Parkersburg business owner Matt Herridge, currently the finance chair for the WVGOP, also is set to announce today that he wants to take over as WVGOP chairman.

“I wish to follow in the footsteps of State Chairwoman Elgine McArdle and continue the work she has started,” Herridge states in his email to go out to state Republicans. “I am pleased to announce that I am running with her support and endorsement, and I was honored by my appointment as finance chair by Chairwoman McArdle last fall.

“Elgine ran for chair promising competence and responsibility at the State Party, and she has achieved just that. Elgine has expanded the footprint of the State Party and has worked tirelessly to defend our Party and its values. Elgine has even fought in court to defend our Republican voters in West Virginia — from her defense of the Jefferson County Republican Party in recent frivolous litigation to her defense of President Trump in a federal court case seeking to strip him from the ballot. I pledge to work as tirelessly to defend our great Grand Old Party as Elgine has.”

Herridge also pledges to not “make grandiose changes to the executive committee, its committees, or the staff” if elected chairman.

“I seek only to keep moving the ball forward and lead us to great victories in 2024,” he continued. “In my last several months as the finance chair, I have had the incredible opportunity to help the chairwoman raise money, connect with vendors, develop and maintain relationships with donors, comply with ongoing contracts, and more. A lot goes into the successful operation of the state party — much of which goes unnoticed — and I appreciate the chairwoman’s trust in my ability to help the party move forward in a seamless fashion.

McArdle said she has reached out to state Republican leaders such as U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito and state House Speaker Roger Hanshaw to inform them of her departure.

“The general consensus is that the party was in shambles,” she said. “Now the working relationship with the Legislature and the governor’s office is smooth. It’s our duty to make sure everyone is working in concert to promote our values.”