CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Monongalia County Delegate Brian Kurcaba wants to spend more time with his family and less time under the capitol dome in Charleston and for that reason, Kurcaba has decided to remove himself from the November ballot and will not seek a second term in the legislature.
“The grueling nature of the 60-day legislative session on top of holding down a full time job and leading a family is not something I can do long term,” Kurcaba stated.
Kurcaba told WAJR-AM’s Morgantown AM on Tuesday the decision to leave the House of Delegates was a family decision that was partly spurred on by the extended special session to work on the state budget.
“It has taken a toll on my family,” Kurcaba admitted. “My wife and I have worked so hard for so long, that we both need to take some time and enjoy each other and the kids while they are still young. Gone will be the times of doing a conference call while watching my daughter’s soccer game or missing childhood milestones because I am working until 10:00 at the capitol.”
Kurcaba, a lifelong resident of Morgantown, was first elected to the House of Delegates in the 51st District in 2014 as a first-time candidate. Kurcaba served on the Banking and Insurance, Education, Health, Industry and Labor, as well as Pensions and Retirement committees.
“Brian Kurcaba has done a great job down here in Charleston,” praised fellow Monongalia County Delegate Joe Statler.
The Monongalia County Republican Executive Committee must now appoint a replacement for Kuraba on the ballot.
Kurcaba is the second incumbent Republicans have lost in the 51st District in the past year. Prior to the start of the 2016 Regular Legislative Session, Delegate Amanda Pasdon resigned for personal reasons.
“I trust that the Monongalia County Republican Executive Committee will do a good job finding a replacement for me on the ballot. I will continue to fulfill my obligations through the remainder of my term until this December,” said Kurcaba. “I am thankful to the people of Monongalia county for allowing me such a unique experience to serve the people of West Virginia.”