Evan Jenkins. File image.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Former state Supreme Court Justice Evan Jenkins, who officially resigned, said that he may run for political office in the future.
“I am not ruling that out. Obviously, I seek opportunities to serve when the need is there and I feel like I can contribute,” Jenkins said on MetroNews “Talkline.”
Jenkins, who previously served as a Republican congressman representing West Virginia’s Third District, did not officially announce any campaign plans, but did indicate it was not the reason why he left the high court.
“There was no decision that motivated my exodus from the court. It’s really just to get back out and engage,” he said.
A letter of resignation was handed to Gov. Jim Justice on Friday. Jenkins said he would return to private law practice.
Jenkins was elected to the court in 2018 to temporarily replace Justice Robin Davis through 2024. He served as chief justice from Jan. 1, 2021, until Jan. 1, 2022.
Jenkins said the timing to leave was right.
“I had achieved what I promised the voters back in 2018 to do and that is fix the court, reform it and get it heading back in the right direction,” he said.
The duties of a Supreme Court Justice are restrictive, Jenkins said. He wants to get out in the community more.