Flanigan and Kirkpatrick Secure West Virginia Supreme Court Seats, Defeating Morrisey Appointees
In a significant judicial election in West Virginia, Delegate Bill Flanigan and retired Circuit Court Judge H.L. Kirkpatrick have won seats on the West Virginia Supreme Court. Flanigan secured the division 2 seat, previously held by Justice Beth Walker, who retired last year. He defeated Justice Thomas Ewing, who was appointed by Governor Patrick Morrisey. Flanigan emphasized judicial independence and equal justice in his campaign. Meanwhile, Kirkpatrick won the division 1 seat, filling the term of the late Justice Tim Armstead. He defeated Gerald Titus, another Morrisey appointee. Kirkpatrick attributed his success to effective social media campaigning. The election saw significant financial investments, with PACs linked to Morrisey and conservative activist Leonard Leo spending heavily to support the incumbents. 
