Associated Press Published

Goodwin Files Papers for West Virginia Governor

U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin

Former U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin has filed precandidacy papers to run for West Virginia governor.

According to the Secretary of State’s website, Goodwin filed the papers Friday, four days after announcing that he was stepping down as the top prosecutor in southern West Virginia.

Joining the race puts Goodwin into an already contested Democratic primary in May. Billionaire coal businessman and owner of The Greenbrier resort Jim Justice is already in the race, as is state Senate Minority Leader Jeff Kessler,

West Virginia Republicans largely have unified around state Senate President Bill Cole.

Under federal law, Goodwin had been unable to conduct any campaign activity while serving as prosecutor, such as opening a fundraising account.