West Virginia Trio Confirmed for Key Federal Roles Amidst Government Shutdown
the U.S. Senate on Tuesday evening confirmed three West Virginians – a state senator, a prosecuting attorney, and a former lawmaker – for significant positions within the federal government, despite the ongoing federal shutdown and months after the initial nominations. This represents a notable infusion of West Virginia leadership into national roles.
The Senate acted on a batch of 107 nominations in a 51-47 vote, bringing the total number of Trump civilian nominees approved to 298. This action followed recent changes to Senate rules that facilitated the en bloc approval of multiple nominees.
among those confirmed were state Sen. Mike Stuart, R-Kanawha; Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney Matthew Harvey; and former House Judiciary Commitee chairman Moore Capito. Trump initially nominated Harvey and Capito as West Virginia’s U.S. Attorneys on July 1, assigning Harvey to the Northern District and Capito to the Southern District.
Matthew Harvey Appointed U.S. Attorney for Northern West Virginia
Matthew Harvey, currently serving his third term as Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney since 2017, brings extensive legal experience to his new role. Prior to his time as prosecuting attorney,he served as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Berkeley and Kanawha counties. he also previously chaired the West Virginia First foundation, the organization responsible for distributing funds from the state’s nearly $1 billion opioid settlement, a position he relinquished in September.
“I am deeply honored by the trust placed in me by President Trump and the united States Senate,” harvey stated following the confirmation. “This confirmation is not a personal achievement, but a solemn obligation. I will work every day to uphold justice, protect our communities, and serve the people of West Virginia by standing with our law enforcement partners.”
Moore Capito to Lead as U.S. Attorney for Southern West Virginia
Moore Capito, son of U.S. senator Shelley Moore Capito, is an attorney with Babst Calland in Charleston. He previously served four terms in the West Virginia House of Delegates, chairing the influential House Judiciary Committee until 2023, when he resigned to pursue a bid for governor. He ultimately finished second in the Republican primary, losing to current Governor patrick Morrisey. Capito was not immediately available for comment.
Senator Capito expressed her support for both appointments, stating, “West Virginians are fortunate to have two individuals of such high integrity and proven commitment to public service confirmed to serve as United States Attorneys.” She further emphasized their dedication to upholding the law and ensuring community safety.
Mike Stuart Named General Counsel for HHS
In addition to the U.S. Attorney appointments, state Senator Mike Stuart was confirmed as the general counsel for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS),serving under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Stuart, a former Trump-appointed U.S.attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia, was elected to the state Senate in 2022 and is slated to chair the Senate Judiciary Committee beginning in 2025.
Stuart celebrated the confirmation on social media, posting, “FINALLY! CONFIRMED…after 238 days,” and expressing his enthusiasm to work with Kennedy and the HHS team. Though, Stuart clarified that he remains a state senator until formally sworn into his new federal role, at which point Governor Morrisey will need to appoint a replacement to complete his Senate term.
According to the West Virginia Constitution, holding federal employment is incompatible with serving in the state legislature. Stuart has a background in both major law firms and his own private practice. He previously ran for state attorney general, losing to J.B. McCuskey in the 2024 Republican primary. He also served as chairman of Trump’s 2016 campaign and the West Virginia Republican Party.
Senator capito highlighted Stuart’s extensive legal and governmental experience, stating, “As HHS’ lead appropriator, I look forward to working with him in his new role and am confident that he will serve with distinction.”
Governor Jim Justice also lauded the confirmations, calling it “a proud moment for the State of West Virginia” and expressing confidence in the abilities of Stuart, Capito, and Harvey to represent the state well.
