OAK HILL, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Sources tell LOOTPRESS that former embattled delegate Austin Haynes of Oak Hill will be withdrawing from the House of Delegates race.
Haynes filed to run in the 50th Delegate District as a Republican.
Sources tell LOOTPRESS that Haynes is withdrawing from the race due to family health concerns.
Haynes was first elected to the House in 2020 and then defeated by David “Elliott” Pritt in the 2022 General Election.
Delegate Elliott Pritt (R-Fayette) currently represents the 50th Delegate District and says he thought it was the best decision Haynes could make.
“I was contacted by former Delegate Haynes this morning. He informed me of his decision to mail in paperwork to withdraw from the race and be removed from the ballot. I told him I appreciated him reaching out to me, and that I truly believed this was the best decision for his family, my family, and our community,” Pritt said. “I wished him the best for his future. And I really do mean that.”
Haynes’ defeat in 2022 came after allegations of “quid pro quo” sexual harassment which led to the filing of a lawsuit by Beckley Attorney Steve New.
The lawsuit alleged that one of the women accused Haynes of offering support on a bill during the 2022 General Session of the legislature in exchange for sex.
New confirmed to LOOTPRESS on Monday that the lawsuit against Haynes did not move forward and that there is currently no lawsuit filed against Haynes by New’s office.
Delegate Elliott Pritt (R-Fayette) currently represents the 50th Delegate District.
