Former W.Va. Delegate Withdraws From Ballot
His withdrawal, signed from federal custody, leaves the West Virginia Republican Party unable to name a ballot replacement under a 2024 election law.
- On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, former Delegate David Elliott Pritt voluntarily withdrew from the November 3 general election ballot, signing the notarized paperwork from the Carter County Detention Facility.
- Following his arrest last month on federal charges of allegedly grooming and enticing a 15-year-old girl, Pritt resigned from the House of Delegates amid calls for his expulsion.
- A 2024 state law prohibits political parties from naming a replacement when a candidate withdraws, a rule West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner confirmed makes the vacancy unfillable.
- GOP Chairman Josh Holstein stated the party's priority remains the victim, emphasizing they previously disavowed Pritt's candidacy and cannot appoint a successor to fill the ballot vacancy.
- Pritt's withdrawal rendered eligibility challenges moot; the State Election Commission will proceed with its Friday, August 7 meeting to address other business, while write-in candidates remain available options.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Beckley Register-Herald
Elliott Pritt withdraws from House ballot; law prohibits GOP to fill vacancy for November election
CHARLESTON — Elliott Pritt, disgraced former Republican House member arrested last month, withdrew his name from the ballot for the November election. He was seeking reelection to the House of Delegates in Fayette County.
Pritt withdraws from general election; shuts out GOP from replacing him on ballot
2024 law passed by Republican-led legislature prohibiting political parties from filling ballots kicks in. The post Pritt withdraws from general election; shuts out GOP from replacing him on ballot appeared first on WV MetroNews.
W.Va. Secretary of State announces David Elliot Pritt’s withdrawal from general election ballot
West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner announced Tuesday that former Delegate David Elliot Pritt (R-Fayette) has voluntarily withdrawn his candidacy for the general election on Nov. 3, 2026.
Former delegate charged with enticement of a minor withdraws general election candidacy
CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS) — Former Delegate Elliott Pritt withdrew his candidacy for the November 3, 2026, General Election. According to a press release from the Secretary of state’s offic…
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