Associated Press Published

Senate President Bill Cole to Run for Governor

Bill Cole
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Republican state Senate President Bill Cole has announced that he will run for West Virginia governor in 2016.

The prominent auto dealer made his announcement Tuesday morning at a Nissan dealership he owns near Bluefield. The Mercer County lawmaker then headed to Charleston for additional events at the Capitol.

 

Cole is the first Republican front-runner to join the race. Attorney General Patrick Morrisey is also considering a bid. Congressman David McKinley ruled out a run Monday.

On the Democratic side, billionaire businessman Jim Justice has kicked off a campaign. State Senate Minority Leader Jeff Kessler is also officially in the race.

Democratic Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin cannot run again because he is reaching a limit of two consecutive terms.

Cole finished his first legislative session as Senate president in March.