West Virginia House Vacates De Soto's Seat

The West Virginia House of Delegates declared the seat of Delegate-elect Joseph de Soto vacant after he was unable to take his oath of office due to charges of making terroristic threats against fellow lawmakers. De Soto, who recently switched from Republican to Democrat, was placed under home confinement following his arrest for allegedly threatening House Speaker Roger Hanshaw and others, claiming that God had called him to kill them. The House's decision faced scrutiny, as some Democratic members argued that proper procedures for expulsion were not followed. Republicans maintain that, due to de Soto's inability to attend the swearing-in and protective orders against him, the seat could be declared vacant. Moving forward, Governor-elect Patrick Morrisey will appoint a replacement for the 91st District, which could potentially be a Democrat despite the district's Republican leanings. De Soto faces a maximum of three years in prison and a fine if convicted on the charges.