Joseph De Soto, a newly elected delegate to the West Virginia House of Delegates, has been arrested and charged with making “terroristic threats” to kill five Republican lawmakers. The arrest comes amid a storm of controversy, just one day after the 61-year-old De Soto switched his party affiliation from Republican to Democrat—a decision that has ignited fierce political debate in the state.
The West Virginia State Police allege that De Soto made death threats against Delegate Bill Ridenour, House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, Delegate Pat McGeehan, Delegate Michael Hite, and Delegate Chuck Horst. According to the police report, De Soto claimed he was “called by God” to carry out the acts. The gravity of these allegations has sent shockwaves through West Virginia’s political landscape, raising serious questions about public safety and the integrity of the state legislature.
De Soto’s abrupt party switch and subsequent arrest have led to a contentious debate over the future of his seat in the House of Delegates. Political analysts predict a legal and political battle over whether the seat, won under the Republican banner, should remain with the GOP or transfer to the Democratic Party.
Tom Susman, a political analyst for WMOV Radio, addressed the issue in an interview with WOWK 13 News, explaining, “The Republican Party may contest that and say he was elected as a Republican, and so it should be a Republican. If he does come in as a Democrat, then that means the Democrats in the caucus can now demand roll call votes, whereas with only nine, they couldn’t demand roll call votes.”
A History of Controversy
De Soto’s conduct has been under scrutiny even before his arrest. Weeks prior, Republican lawmakers expelled him from their caucus, accusing him of falsifying key aspects of his medical and military background during his campaign. This expulsion left De Soto politically isolated, exacerbating tensions in an already polarized legislature.
In a public statement, West Virginia GOP Chairman Matt Herridge condemned De Soto’s behavior and called for his removal from office.
“Our elected officials sacrifice a lot to serve their communities, and it is a travesty for anyone to face the additional burden of threats made against themselves and their families,” Herridge said. “We disavow and condemn the behavior of the former Republican Delegate-elect and continue to thank all those who are willing to serve their communities and state, in spite of the serious challenges it too often poses.”
Complications for Democrats
For the Democratic Party, De Soto’s party switch and subsequent arrest create a political dilemma. While his move technically increases the number of Democrats in the House, it also brings significant legal and ethical baggage. Before De Soto’s switch, the Democrats held only nine seats in the Republican-dominated House. His addition could provide procedural leverage, such as the ability to demand roll call votes. However, the ongoing legal proceedings and the severity of the charges complicate any potential gains.
A spokesperson for the West Virginia House of Delegates declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation.
Broader Implications
De Soto’s arrest has amplified concerns over the security of public officials and the mental fitness required to hold public office. The allegations against him—among the most severe in recent state history—underscore the volatile nature of West Virginia politics, where partisanship often intersects with personal conduct.
Observers suggest that the legal battle over De Soto’s seat could set a precedent for handling party affiliation and criminal charges in state government. Political analyst Tom Susman noted that the situation could have far-reaching consequences for the legislature’s composition and procedural dynamics.
As De Soto remains in custody, the focus shifts to the safety of the lawmakers involved and the potential ramifications for public trust in the state government. Whether convicted or exonerated, the fallout from this case will likely influence West Virginia’s political landscape for years to come.
The outcome of this case may redefine how similar situations are handled, both in West Virginia and beyond.
Lucifer’s dimmercrap.
GOP/RNC/WVGOP letting such as him run as Republican is why I never contribute.
This is the result of the disgusting democrats whose underhanded “party switching” for political gain is declared legal. The same trick was used to try to get Nikki Haley to triumph over TRUMP, but thank GOD it failed. This insane jackass from West Virginia was in fact, a DEMOCRAT but switched parties in order to win as REPUBLICANS dominate the state. As soon as he was elected, he switched back to being a democrat then showed his true nature (insanity) by threatening to kill republican members of the state. That’s why I’m a staunch defender of closed primaries as well as NO WRITE IN CANDIDATES (as was done several years ago by the CORRUPT REPUBLICAN Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska). By all accounts Joe Miller WON that race but she went the extra step of allowing last minute write-ins to STEAL a victory from Miller. These illegal acts should NOT be allowed!