Delegate Doug Skaff has resigned from the West Virginia House after leaving his position as Democratic leader.

Skaff, a significant figure within West Virginia's Democratic Party, has decided to step down from his role in the House of Delegates. This move follows his departure as the chamber's Democratic leader just a month ago, as reported by the Associated Press.

Skaff's formal resignation and contributions

House Speaker Roger Hanshaw received Skaff's formal resignation letter last Friday.

This information was confirmed by a representative from the state legislature.

Skaff has built a reputation beyond politics as the president of HD Media. This enterprise owns the Charleston Gazette-Mail, among other state newspapers.

In his resignation letter, Skaff said:

Serving the people of West Virginia was a “calling.” (He will) evaluate ways to give back and work for the people in whatever capacity that may be.

Skaff's significant influence in the House

Del. Skaff has served Kanawha County as a Democrat in the House for roughly 11 nonconsecutive years.

The responsibility of filling his role for the rest of his term, which expires in 2024, will fall upon the Democratic Pexecutive committee in Kanawha County.

Members of the panel will present a list of potential appointees to Republican Gov. Jim Justice, who will then make the final decision.

The letter of resignation that was addressed to House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, also went to House Clerk Steve Harrison. The letter read:

Please accept this letter as my official notice that I am resigning as a member of the House of Delegates from the 56th District.

Skaff's connection with the House dates back to 2008.

He secured his position twice and ran again for the seat in 2018, marking his third term.

Notably, the House Democratic Caucus had twice selected Skaff as its minority leader after the former House minority leader, Tim Miley, chose not to run for re-election.

A look back at Skaff's tenure and contributions

Skaff's time as the minority leader spanned 2020 and again in 2022. However, last August, he made public his decision to step down from the role at the end of the interim meetings that month.

Subsequently, Delegate Sean Hornbuckle took up the mantle as the minority leader.

Outside of politics, Skaff also manages his family's multiple businesses, including a company specializing in building materials.

Even as he remains a registered Democrat, Skaff did not provide any direct indication about his future political endeavors in the letter.

Prior to resignation, he said:

Together, we worked to create new jobs, lower taxes for all, enhance broadband, support our seniors and fix our roads.”

The broader context of party dynamics

Skaff's resignation could have potentially had deeper implications for the partisan composition of the House.

Had he chosen to switch parties before his resignation, the Democratic minority in the House would have reduced from 11 to just 10 out of 100 seats.

Such party switches are not unheard of. Earlier in the year, Delegate Elliott Pritt made the switch from the Democratic side.

It's noteworthy that when Skaff made his return to the House in 2019, the Democratic Caucus had 41 members.

The most recent majority held by Democrats in the House was back in 2015, when they boasted of 53 delegates.

Conclusion

• Del. Doug Skaff has stepped down from the West Virginia House of Delegates.
• He had earlier vacated his role as the Democratic leader.
• Skaff's political journey has spanned almost 11 nonconsecutive years.
• He also plays a significant role outside of politics, owning HD Media and managing other family businesses.
• There are ongoing speculations and uncertainties regarding his future political intentions.
• The broader context highlights the shifting dynamics and challenges for the Democratic Party within the state.