Sponaugle Announces Run For West Virginia Attorney General

Democratic Del. Isaac Sponaugle announced he is running for West Virginia’s attorney general in 2020. 

He made the announcement Monday at the state Capitol.

“I’ve worked hard during my legislative career fighting for all West Virginians,” Sponaugle said in a news release. “I’ve sponsored and supported bills that have become law, which benefit the working people of this state. Likewise, I have fought vigorously against bills by the corrupt special interests that attack West Virginians’ healthcare, wages, property and legal rights. I look forward to fighting on behalf of all the working people of this state every day in the courtroom.”

Sponaugle also took aim at Republican Attorney General Patrick Morrisey for his ties to the pharmaceutical industry. 

“Morrisey and his family have made a fortune off Big Pharma at the expense of West Virginia,” Sponaugle said. “He banked money from Big Pharma in return for settling lawsuits for pennies on the dollar.

Morrisey was first elected in 2012 and won again in 2016.

Sponaugle, an attorney from Pendleton County, was first elected to the House of Delegates in 2012. He currently serves as one of the minority party’s deputy whips.

He’ll face Beckley-based attorney Sam Petsonk in a May primary. Petsonk filed pre-candidacy paperwork in June.