CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Governor Patrick Morrisey has appointed Republican Ian Masters to fill the vacancy in West Virginia’s 91st House District.
The seat was vacated by Joseph DeSoto who was elected in November as a Republican and was then ousted by House members following his arrest for making terroristic threats against his colleagues.
DeSoto at some point between the November election and his arrest on December 12 changed his party affiliation to Democrat.
Masters, a lawyer from Gerrardstown, brings extensive legal experience, including drafting and tracking legislation.
He currently serves as president of the West Virginia Citizens Defense League (WVCDL), an organization he has been involved with since 2015.
“Ian’s experience leading the WVCDL makes him exceptionally prepared to step in and represent the people of the 91st District,” Governor Morrisey said. “I’m confident he’ll bring experienced conservative leadership and be an effective legislator for southern Berkeley County.”
Masters, who considers the 91st District his “forever home,” lives in the area with his four children.
He earned both his undergraduate degree and Juris Doctor from West Virginia University and has been a member of the West Virginia State Bar since 2011.
The 91st District consists of the southeastern portion of Berkeley County.