Republicans, who already controlled the West Virginia state Senate with the exception of a few seats, now have another.
West Virginia State Senator Glenn Jeffries, who was previously a Democrat, enrolled as a Republican earlier this week.
Jefferies was quoted saying “Our politics have gotten so personal and difficult,”,
He would continue “I want to make sure that I serve constituents and our state in a respectful, thoughtful way that leads to a better life for all West Virginians.”
WBOY 12 dropped these details:
A West Virginia Senator who represents the state’s 8th District has decided to change political parties.
According to a statement from Sen. Glenn Jeffries sent Thursday, he has filed to switch his party affiliation and join the Republican caucus. Jeffries was elected as a Democrat in 2016 to represent parts of Kanawha and Putnam counties and said he wanted to “work in a bipartisan way,” and he said he plans to continue to do so under his new party affiliation.
“Our politics have gotten so personal and difficult,” said Sen. Jeffries in his statement. “I want to make sure that I serve constituents and our state in a respectful, thoughtful way that leads to a better life for all West Virginians.”
While Jeffries did not give a reason for the switch, a release from the West Virginia Democratic Party said that the switch was due to “discomfort with Democratic Party values.”
WSAZ added these details:
Senator Glenn Jeffries has announced he has filed to switch his political party affiliation.
The West Virginia State Senator from Red House is leaving the Democratic Party to join the West Virginia Republican Party.
“I have the greatest respect for the many friends and supporters I have been blessed with during my time in public office,” Jeffries said. “I hope to continue and strengthen those relationships going forward.”
With the addition of Jeffries, the Republican majority in the State Senate will now grow to 31 senators.