West Virginia GOP Moves to Disavow Former Delegate Elliott Pritt Over Underage Sex Allegations

The West Virginia Republican Executive Committee is set to hold a historic vote this weekend to formally disavow former delegate Elliott Pritt, who remains in federal custody on charges of a sexual relationship with an underage girl. Party chairman Josh Holstein said 88 committee members have signed a petition calling for Pritt’s removal and that the party will also petition the State Election Commission to disqualify him from the November ballot.

Pritt resigned his House of Delegates seat on Monday but has not withdrawn his name from the ballot, having run unopposed in the May primary for the 50th District. Fayette County Republicans have written to the commission requesting his disqualification, and the county Republican Executive Committee plans to consider replacement candidates. Holstein emphasized that the focus is on justice for the victim rather than political maneuvering.