In the recent Secretary of State race, Republican candidate Kris Warner emerged as the victor, with Democratic-turned-Republican candidate Doug Skaff finishing in second place, according to unofficial returns. Skaff, who had previously served as the Democratic leader in the House of Delegates, resigned from his Kanawha county seat last September and announced his switch to the Republican party in October.

Skaff, who had previously served in the house from 2009 to 2014, was re-elected to the chamber in 2018. He is also the president of HD Media, a company that owns the Charleston Gazette-Mail and several other newspapers across the state.

The secretary of state's race was closely watched by political observers, as Skaff's decision to switch parties added an interesting dynamic to the campaign. Despite his Democratic background, Skaff was determined to make a mark and compete under the Republican banner.

While unofficial returns placed Skaff as the runner-up, Warner's victory solidifies his position as the Republican nominee for the upcoming general election. The secretary of state plays a crucial role in overseeing elections, managing business registrations, and handling important government documents.

Skaff's campaign had highlighted his experience in the house and his leadership role in the media industry. Nevertheless, it was Warner who managed to secure the majority of votes and emerge as the preferred candidate for the Republican party.

As the general election approaches, Warner and Skaff will now await the outcome of the race, where they will face off against candidates from other parties. The race for the secretary of state's office is expected to garner significant attention and will play an important role in shaping West Virginia's future.