WEST VIRGINIA (LOOTPRESS) – Former Raleigh County Circuit Judge H.L. “Kirk” Kirkpatrick is projected to win the race for the West Virginia Supreme Court in Division 1, according to unofficial election results Tuesday night.
Kirkpatrick was one of five candidates seeking the seat to fulfill the unexpired six-year term left vacant following the death of Justice Tim Armstead.
As of late Tuesday night, Kirkpatrick held a strong lead over fellow candidate Gerald Titus, who was appointed to the Supreme Court by Governor Patrick Morrisey after Armstead’s passing. Titus was running in second place in the nonpartisan race.
Kirkpatrick, a longtime judge in Raleigh County, campaigned on his years of judicial experience and knowledge of West Virginia’s court system. His projected victory marks a significant win over the governor’s appointee in one of the state’s most closely watched judicial races.
The Division 1 seat drew five candidates in total as voters across West Virginia selected who would complete the remainder of Armstead’s term on the state’s highest court.
Election results remain unofficial until canvassing is completed by county officials.
