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Supreme Court: Ewing, Flanigan seek seat through 2028

The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia heard arguments on the first day of its Spring 2026 term in January. (Photo courtesy of the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia)

CHARLESTON – The winner of the Division 2 contest for the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals will serve the remaining term of Justice Elizabeth “Beth” D. Walker, who retired effective last June.

Walker was first elected to the Supreme Court in 2016, beginning her 12-year term in 2017. During her tenure, she served in the rotating position of chief justice in 2019 and 2023.

Morrisey appointed former 15th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Thomas H. Ewing to succeed Walker until the May special election.

Ewing faces state Del. Bill Flanigan, R-Ohio, in the race to complete the term until 2028.

Ewing was appointed to the 15th Circuit serving Fayette County at the end of 2018 by former Gov. Justice. He was elected for his first four-year term in 2020 and re-elected in 2024.

“My judicial philosophy is grounded in three core principles: upholding the rule of law, getting the decision right, and treating every person with dignity and respect,” Ewing said. “I believe the independence and integrity of the judiciary must be protected at all times, which means making decisions based on the law and the Constitution – not political pressure, public opinion, or special interests.”

Prior to his appointment, Ewing worked for the Kay, Casto and Chaney law firm in its Fayetteville office. He has two bachelor’s degrees from Glenville State University and a law degree from WVU.

During his tenure in the 15th Judicial Circuit, Ewing presided over the Fayette County Family Treatment Court, Teen Court, and the Truancy Diversion Program. He served as a commissioner on West Virginia’s Juvenile Justice Commission.

“For the individuals who come before the Court, their case is often one of the most important matters in their lives, and they deserve a Justice who is prepared, thorough, and committed to doing the hard work necessary to reach the correct outcome,” Ewing said. “Just as important, judges and justices set the tone for the entire judicial system, and every person who enters the courtroom should be treated with dignity and respect. Throughout my career as a lawyer, judge, and now a Justice, I have demonstrated a consistent commitment to these principles, and my record reflects the kind of Justice I am and will continue to be.”

Flanigan is finishing out his second two-year term in the House of Delegates representing the 4th District, where he served on the House Judiciary Committee and Courts and Legal Services subcommittees. He also served on legislative interim committees for Children and Families, Judiciary and West Virginia Fusion Center Oversight.

“I bring both legislative experience and a strong commitment to constitutional principles to this race,” Flanigan said. “As an attorney and current member of the state Legislature, I’ve dedicated my career to upholding the rule of law, protecting judicial integrity, and ensuring that every West Virginian’s voice is heard.”

Flanigan was first appointed to the House in the former 51st District, which included Morgantown, in 2016, but was unable to serve the remainder of the term due to complications from a 2007 testicular cancer diagnosis.

He manages his own law firm in Wheeling after moving back to West Virginia in 2021. He has a bachelor’s degree from Salem-Teikyo University, a master’s degree from the University of San Francisco and a law degree from WVU.

“I believe the role of the court is to interpret the law as written,” Flanigan said. “I will not legislate from the bench. I will remain free from political influence. I am running on principles of transparency, accountability, and fairness. My experience in both crafting and applying the law has given me a well-rounded perspective, and I will serve the people of West Virginia with honesty, respect and an unwavering commitment to justice.”

Steven Allen Adams can be reached at sadams@newsandsentinel.com.

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