Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced on social media Tuesday that he is endorsing Lewisburg pastor Jonathan Comer in his race to represent District 10 in the West Virginia Senate. (Patrick Morrisey/X)
Gov. Patrick Morrisey is entering the primary for the predominantly Republican West Virginia Legislature.
Morrisey announced Social Media Tuesday his support for Jonathan Comer, a Baptist pastor in Lewisburg who is running for West Virginia Senate District 10. He is running against Sen. Vince Deeds, R-Greenbrier, who has held the seat since 2022 and is also a Baptist pastor.
The Republican governor’s public endorsement comes before primary day, May 12. Morrisey has also been linked to a political action committee that launched a video campaign against Sen. Tom Takubo, R-Kanawha, according to reporting from West Virginia MetroNews.
Morrisey called Comer original, a staunch supporter of religious freedom and a large supporter of tax cuts.
“With over 500 members of his church, Jonathan is known in his district for his integrity,” Morrisey said. “He has a wonderful family and has worked tirelessly to help his community over the past 25 years. He is the change agent we need in Charleston to strengthen our state and protect our children.”
In response, Deeds said, “The governor can do whatever he wants.”
“But I am committed to continuing to advocate for my district and focus on more jobs, lower taxes and making the most beautiful part of West Virginia affordable so our families can live and grow,” Deeds told West Virginia Watch. “I believe in the values we share in my district and will continue to represent them with honor and to the best of my ability.”
Deeds won his 2022 primary against two Republican opponents. He then switched his Senate seat to a Republican win against Incumbent Democratic Senator Stephen Baldwin amid West Virginia’s red wave.
Morrisey said he was making the recommendations because he “has worked diligently with the House and Senate to achieve important legislative outcomes for our state,” but a “A group of status-quo liberal lawmakers have opposed our conservative, pro-Trump policies at every turn.”
32 of the 34 members of the Senate are Republicans.
A spokesman for the governor did not respond to a question about which policies Morrisey was specifically referring to in his endorsement.
Comer is pastor of Lewisburg Baptist Church in Greenbrier County. He is related to Kevin Comer, Morrisey’s citizen services liaison, according to a State government directory published in March.
District 10 includes Summers, Monroe, Greenbrier, Nicholas and part of Fayette counties.
Deeds is chief investigator for the Greenbrier County Prosecutor’s Office and director of safety and security for Greenbrier County Schools. He is also pastor of Sinks Grove Baptist Church.
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