JB McCuskey is currently running for Attorney General of West Virginia | photo provided
CHARLESTON — As State Auditor J.B. McCuskey continues his campaign in the attorney general race, he brings a wealth of experience in public service, a proven ability to lead a statewide office and a clear vision for the future.
With eight years as state auditor under his belt, McCuskey, a Republican, said his leadership experience, commitment to miniature government and respect for the foundation laid by current Attorney General Patrick Morrissey make him uniquely qualified for the position.
McCuskey said his transition to the Attorney General’s office will be similar to how he navigated the Auditor’s Office eight years ago.
“When I was elected to the auditor’s office at the age of 34, I was fortunate to have the support of a staff who could easily resist my new leadership,” McCuskey said in an interview with West Virginia record.
He believes the current Office of the Attorney General under Morrissey is well-run, but acknowledges there will be room for personal and strategic differences, and the office’s staff will play a key role in this transition.
While McCuskey was hesitant to outline specific changes before entering the role, he emphasized the importance of understanding the internal processes of the office in advance.
“I don’t want to commit to any specific changes until I get back on my feet,” McCuskey said, noting that any changes would be guided by both his political vision and his confidence in his staff.
McCuskey spoke highly of Morrissey’s tenure as attorney general, highlighting the office’s nationwide reputation for high-quality legal work and bipartisan problem-solving in areas such as consumer protection and federal overreach.
“Our Attorney General’s office is one of the nation’s leading places to get top-quality legal work,” McCuskey said.
He said he looks forward to continuing this tradition of excellence by building on it with his own approach.
He said one of McCuskey’s strengths is his extensive public service experience and understanding of state and local government processes.
McCuskey credits his time in the state legislature – where he served in both the minority and majority positions – with shaping his ability to work outside the legislature and truly understand how government works.
McCuskey said serving as state auditor also gave him insight into how West Virginia’s various state agencies operate, which he believes will serve him well as attorney general.
McCuskey said Teresa Toriseva, his Democratic opponent, has an excellent reputation as a lawyer in the state and has always been a wonderful and nice person, but they simply have different political philosophies in common.
“We just see politics very, very differently,” McCuskey said.
McCuskey’s miniature government approach focuses on reducing government costs, protecting personal freedoms and supporting West Virginians through the lens of fiscal conservatism.
Looking ahead, McCuskey sees some stern legal challenges facing West Virginia. He emphasized the key role that the Attorney General will play as the governor’s chief advisor, especially as the state transforms in areas such as infrastructure, child care and education.
McCuskey said his experience in the Audit Office, particularly in understanding the business processes of state agencies, will allow him to aid the governor implement reforms quickly and legally.
McCuskey’s legal experience spans both the public and private sectors, and he worked in law firms before becoming a public auditor.
This experience, he said, gives him a unique perspective on how the legal system affects both miniature businesses and enormous corporations in West Virginia.
“I really look forward to being a passionate advocate for every person in West Virginia,” McCuskey said.
McCuskey said West Virginia is on the brink of great potential and his leadership as attorney general will focus on overcoming remaining obstacles, from federal overreach to education reform.
“I couldn’t be more excited to have West Virginians as my client,” McCuskey said. He emphasized that he is committed to providing the state’s residents with top-class legal representation.
