Fast eyes circuit judge seat in 2024

Steve Keenan, The Register-Herald, Beckley, W.Va.
Updated ·2 min read

Oct. 20—West Virginia House of Delegates member Tom Fast has his sights set on a different path.

During a press conference Thursday at the Fayette County Courthouse, Fast announced that he plans to file to run for a non-partisan Fayette County circuit judge seat in the 2024 primary election.

Fast is a Republican representing District 51 in the House of Delegates. He has been in office for nine years.

"For over 30 years, I have worked as an attorney for the citizens of Fayette and surrounding counties," Fast said in a press release. "My areas of practice have included civil cases, criminal cases, abuse and neglect cases, corporate law, business transactions, estate probate, wills, deeds, contracts, personal injury, boundary issues and multiple other areas of law.

"As my widespread experience in the general practice of law has lent support to being able to serve as a member of the House of Delegates, I now wish to use this experience, starting Jan. 1, 2025, as a circuit judge."

According to Fayette County Clerk Michelle Holly, circuit judges run for election in divisions within their circuit.

Fayette County is presently represented in the 12th Circuit by Judge Paul M. Blake Jr. (Division 1) and Judge Thomas H. Ewing (Division 2).

Circuit judges are elected to 8-year terms, Holly noted.

They will be elected in May 2024 in non-partisan races and take office in January 2025.

The official candidate filing period will be Jan. 8-27, 2024.

In the release, Fast, who still operates Fast Law Office in Fayetteville, said he intends to serve out his term in the House of Delegates, which runs until November 2024. "I've always worked hard as a delegate, and intend to continue doing so until the term ends in late 2024.

"I love this county, I love these people and I hope to be a good lawyer for them, whether as a practicing attorney or as a sitting judge. After all, circuit judges are first and foremost attorneys. I'll try to be a good one."

"My decision was prompted by a door opening," Fast added Friday. "I am not displeased with the House of Delegates, although there are always things one can think of that they wish they could have further accomplished.

"Nevertheless, upon finishing this term as delegate, it will make 10 years for me. I believe we have accomplished a great deal in the House and have turned West Virginia around in a positive way." Fast said he will be running in Division 1.

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