CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Gov. Joe Manchin today announced that he has selected Thomas Mike Porter Jr. of Bluefield to be appointed to the 25th District West Virginia House of Delegates to fill the vacancy left by the passing of his father, Thomas Mike Porter Sr., last month.
In a letter received this week, the Mercer County Republican Executive Committee submitted three names to the governor: Dr. Joseph Ellington, Dr. Zane Lawhorn and Thomas Mike Porter Jr. The governor commended the committee for submitting the three candidates to fill the House seat in such a timely fashion.
"I am very pleased that Mike Jr. has accepted this opportunity to get involved in public service and have the chance to carry on a special legacy that his father left," Gov. Manchin said. I have always respected the desires of the Porter family and that has been an important aspect throughout this process. Mike Porter Sr. was a hard working and well-respected public servant and I am confident that his son will mirror the same work ethic on behalf of the citizens of Mercer County to the best of his ability."
By state code, the governor must fill the vacant seat with a person who resides in the same House district and has the same political party affiliation as his/her predecessor.
Mike Porter Jr. said, "I am very honored and pleased that the governor has appointed me to fill the remaining time of my dad's term in the House of Delegates. I look forward to working with my dad's colleagues, and my new colleagues, to fulfill this obligation to serve the citizens of Mercer County."
Porter Jr. will serve throughout the remainder of his father's term which expires at the end of November.
