CHARLESTON — A Fayette County circuit court judge will be the next justice of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, with a special election set for 2026.

In a ceremony Wednesday afternoon at the State Capitol Building, Gov. Patrick Morrisey appointed 15th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Thomas H. Ewing to the state Supreme Court.

“I’m proud to introduce Judge Tom Ewing as the next Justice on the Supreme Court of Appeals in West Virginia,” Morrisey said as Ewing and Ewing’s wife, Mindy, joined him at the podium.

“I didn’t know Judge Ewing very well before this process started, but through the interview process, he really did blow me away,” Morrisey continued. “This is someone who’s incredibly thoughtful. He’s highly qualified with impressive credentials. He’s come to us so highly recommended by everyone we spoke to. Not one person said negative things about him.”

“Today, I’m honored to accept this appointment as a justice of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals,” Ewing said. “Today is a day of excitement for the future. I look forward to serving the great people of the State of West Virginia. As a native son, this is a dream come true.”

According to his biography on the state Supreme Court’s website, Ewing was appointed to the 15th Circuit serving Fayette County at the end of 2018 by former governor Jim Justice. Ewing was elected for his first four-year term in 2020 and re-elected in 2024.

“He’s also served on temporary assignments in six different cases at the West Virginia Supreme Court,” Morrisey said. “So, you already had some real experience when it comes to the state’s High Court.”

“I was motivated to pursue this appointment because I believed it was important for the state’s highest court to have the perspective of an experienced circuit judge,” Ewing said. “I will bring that experience to the court, along with a strong work ethic, a passion for research and writing, a curiosity for the law, and a strong commitment to judicial independence in the rule of law.”

Prior to his appointment, Ewing worked for the Kay, Casto and Chaney law firm in its Fayetteville office. A native of Hico, Ewing graduated from Midland Trail High School. He has two bachelor’s degrees from Glenville State University and a law degree from West Virginia University.

Ewing has presided over the Fayette County Family Treatment Court, the Fayette County Teen Court, and the Fayette County Truancy Diversion Program. He has served since 2019 as a commissioner on West Virginia’s Juvenile Justice Commission. He was recognized this year as a West Virginia Bar Foundation Fellow and as a 2025 Champion of Children by Just for Kids, Inc.

“While I’m excited for this new chapter of my public service, it is bittersweet that I’ll be leaving the work I started in Fayette County and the other people that have dedicated themselves to that work,” Ewing said. “Along with my faith in family, love for my community has been a central motivator in my life and career.”

Ewing succeeds former justice Elizabeth “Beth” D. Walker, who retired effective June 27. Walker first announced her resignation in April. Walker was first elected to the Supreme Court on May 10, 2016. She began her 12-year term on Jan. 1, 2017. During her tenure on the state’s highest court, Walker served in the rotating position of chief justice twice, first in 2019 and again in 2023.

“When she announced her retirement, I knew she was going to be pretty tough to replace,” Morrisey said. “I want to, on behalf of the citizens of our state, thank her for her long-distinguished tenure in public service. I’ve known Beth for a long time. She did a great job on the court, and we’re going to miss her, but I want to make sure that everyone in West Virginia knows how much time and thoughtfulness she put into the position.”

The state Judicial Vacancy Advisory Commission narrowed down a 15-person applicant list to four names: Ewing, Intermediate Court of Appeals Judge Dan Greear, 14th Circuit Court Judge Todd Kirby, and former assistant U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia Shawn Morgan.

“Let me tell you, I received an excellent list of respected, honorable, and highly qualified individuals. This was not an easy choice,” Morrisey said. “But after speaking personally with all of the candidates and having a rigorous, deliberative process, reading the opinions and having a chance to really get to know the traditional worldview of these candidates, I could say that I’m very confident that your next Supreme Court justice is going to serve our state with the utmost in integrity and careful concern for the rule of law.”

According to updated guidance from the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office, Walker’s vacancy will trigger a special election to fill the remainder of her term in May 2026. Unlike most elections, judicial elections are nonpartisan. The seat will be on the ballot again in May 2028 for a full 12-year term. Ewing said he would seek election to the Supreme Court seat in both 2026 and 2028.

“I’m giving up a circuit court seat that I had seven years on in order to do this. So, yes, I definitely will be interested in running both times,” Ewing said.