CHARLESTON — An ad featuring an adult man covering the mouth of a little girl in a girls’ restroom, with the text, “Joshua Higginbotham promises to introduce a bill to allow men in girls’ restrooms, showers, & locker rooms” appeared on social media, receiving reactions from hundreds of West Virginians. The issue advertisement was by The Family Policy Council, which is the largest advocate for family values in West Virginia.
This was one of several citations of Higginbotham’s record, who served as a Republican delegate, but came out as homosexual shortly following his election. Higginbotham told The Charleston Gazette-Mail that he planned to introduce The Fairness Act, if elected to the state senate, which allows biological males to use girls’ restrooms.
Andrea Garrett Kiessling, the conservative candidate for the Republican nomination in State Senate District 8, was disqualified after a liberal judge found her ineligible and ordered the withdrawal of her candidacy.
This was due to the court finding part-time residency is not recognized in West Virginia, when one does not vote in West Virginia, pay state income tax, or have a state driver’s license.
Angered Garrett-Kiessling voters rejected Higginbotham as a candidate, casting their support to Mark Hunt. Hunt received 46.4 percent of the vote, while Higginbotham received just 34.2 percent. Mark Mitchem obtained 19.5 percent.
This gave the republican nomination to Mark Hunt, who will now face off against incumbent State Senator Richard Lindsay (D) in the November general election.