Speaker Hanshaw Announces Resignation of Delegate John Mandt

WALLBACK, W.Va. – House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, tonight announced Delegate John Mandt, R-Cabell, intends to resign from the House of Delegates effective 11:59 p.m. tonight, and will also end his campaign for re-election to House for the upcoming term.

Delegate Mandt contacted Speaker Hanshaw earlier Saturday to discuss the events of the past year and week, as well as his upcoming plans for his family and businesses, and concluded at this time the best course of action for his family and business was for him to step away from public office.

“We thank Delegate Mandt for his service in the House of Delegates,” Speaker Hanshaw said. “Delegate Mandt and I have spoken at length over the past several months. Earlier this year, Delegate Mandt lost his mother and is now spending significant time caring for his father, family and expanding business ventures. After our discussion, Delegate Mandt concluded that at this time it would be best to step away from public service and focus on the priority matters of his personal life.”

Delegate Mandt said he would deliver copies of his letter of resignation to Speaker Hanshaw and Gov. Jim Justice over the weekend. It will be effective at the end of the day Saturday.

“While I have enjoyed my time in public service and thank the people of the 16th District for the opportunity to represent them in the House,” Delegate Mandt said. “Right now, my focus and priority needs to be on my family and business, and feel it is best at this time to terminate my campaign and make room other individuals to serve the state.”

Contact: Jared Hunt at (304) 340-3323