MORGANTOWN — House of Delegates Minority Leader Doug Skaff will step down from his leadership post at the conclusion of the August interim meetings, which run Sunday-Tuesday.
Skaff, D-Kanawha, said in his announcement that he’s grateful for the opportunity he’s had to lead the caucus, but he believes it is time to turn the leadership over to someone else. That someone else will be Minority Leader Pro Tempore Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell.
Skaff said, “I have enjoyed working with Republican Speaker of the House Roger Hanshaw to deliver commonsense solutions for the people of West Virginia. In my role as minority leader, I worked with Speaker Hanshaw to focus on attracting businesses to our state and creating jobs here as we traveled the country to encourage companies and major corporations to ‘Choose West Virginia.’ ”
Skaff is president of HD Media, which owns the Charleston Gazette-Mail, the Herald-Dispatch in Huntington and five weeklies. He said he plans to spend extra time focused on his businesses and coaching his three boys on the soccer field.
Hornbuckle will step into his role immediately following the August interim meetings.
“Sean is a strong leader, delegate and friend. I know that he will lead the caucus well,” Skaff said.
Senate Minority Lead Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, also commented.
“I thank Delegate Doug Skaff for his service to his constituents and his party. I have been honored to serve in minority leadership in the Senate and work with Delegate Skaff during his tenure as minority leader.
“We have been aligned on important legislation and united in opposition to the far-right extremism coming from some of our colleagues across the aisle,” Woelfel said.
“I commend Delegate Skaff for his forward thinking in allowing fresh talent to step in to the role,” he said. “To that end, I can think of no better incoming leader than Delegate Sean Hornbuckle. I have known Delegate Hornbuckle for many years. He is a pillar in our community and a man of integrity. Sean’s acumen, character and work ethic are superb. He is bold in action but also pragmatic. His service on behalf of the citizens of Cabell County absolutely merits his elevation to this leadership position. I look forward to our continued partnership as colleagues and now as party leaders in the statehouse.”
The House party make-up is 88 Republicans and 12 Democrats. The Senate make-up is 31 Republicans and three Democrats.
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