West Virginia House Declares Delegate-Elect's Seat Vacant After Threat Allegations

Joseph de Soto, accused of making terroristic threats, was barred from taking office due to house arrest, triggering a partisan dispute over his replacement.

• Joseph de Soto, a delegate-elect in West Virginia, was accused of threatening to kill lawmakers and is currently under house arrest awaiting grand jury deliberations.
• The Republican-controlled House of Delegates voted to declare de Soto's seat vacant, citing his inability to take the oath of office due to legal restrictions.
• De Soto, elected as a Republican but who switched to the Democratic Party before his arrest, has sparked a debate over whether his replacement should be a Democrat or Republican.
• Democrats argue that proper procedure to expel de Soto was not followed, raising concerns about potential legal challenges to the decision.
• Governor-elect Patrick Morrisey, a Republican, will appoint de Soto's replacement, with uncertainty over which party will fill the seat in the 91st District.

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