WHEELING, WV (LOOTPRESS) – On Tuesday, Delegate Erika Storch (R-Ohio, 04) announced the she would be resigning her seat in the West Virginia House of Delegates, effective Friday, May 19, 2023.
Storch Promoted
Storch, a fiscally conservative Republican who has served Ohio County since first being elected in 2010, accepted a promotion at her employer, American Electric Power. As the new position (External Affairs Manager for the Appalachian Power unit) would require a full-time commitment, she would be unable to take that position and remain a member of the part-time, citizen legislature.
Storch noted that her decision came after prayer, reflection, and consultation with her family. By the nature of the position, however, she will neccesarily stay engaged with the politics process. She will not be directly lobbying legislators, at least not for the first year, unless a waiver is granted. No such waiver has been requested at this time, but the situation may change if deemed necessary by AEP and approved by the Ethics Commission.
What Happen Next
Per state code, Storch’s replacement will be appointed by Governor Justice from a list of three choices submitted by the Ohio County Republican Executive Committee. Those choices will be made from Republicans who live in district 4 and submit an application to the OCREP.
District 4 contains many residential neighborhoods in eastern Wheeling, Oglebay Park, Triadelphia, and Bethlehem. The district is seen as a safe Republican seat for the next few cycles; Storch defeated her most recent opponent, popular local attorney Teresa Toriseva, by a margin of nearly 3-1.
Lootpress will have more information on the candidates and the final appointment of the replacement as it is made available.