LEWISBURG, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Another state legislator is taking early retirement.
Greenbrier County Republican Delegate Barry Bruce announced at a public function tonight that he is forwarding his letter of resignation to House Speaker Roger Hanshaw. Bruce currently serves the 42nd District.
Bruce was elected in 2020. The district includes Greenbrier, Summers and Monroe counties. He called his election “the honor of a lifetime” according to one source who heard his announcement.
The sources said Bruce has told friends he is facing health issues and a lengthy time for recovery. That, they said, is his primary reason for stepping aside.
Bruce told associates he is pleased with the work accomplished by the Republican supermajority in the legislature and is excited about the future.
Bruce, an attorney, led the 2020 ticket. He and fellow Republican Todd Longanacre claimed the two seats in District 42. Democrat Jeff Campbell placed third.
The resignation will be effective December 4, according to one source.
Under state law, the 42nd District Republican Executive Committee will recommend three replacement possibilities to Governor Jim Justice, who will appoint someone to complete Bruce’s term. The law requires that the replacement be of the same party as the person vacating the seat.
Bruce told friends he felt he should announce his decision and resign so that other potential 2022 candidates knew that he would not be on the ballot.