Former Delegate Fragale appointed to House vacancy - WTRF 7 News Sports Weather - Wheeling Steubenville

Former Delegate Fragale appointed to House vacancy

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A delegate who lost his re-election bid in November will return to the House.

Former Speaker Pro Tempore Ron Fragale was appointed by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin Feb. 1 to fill the vacancy in the 48th District, which includes all of Harrison County and a small piece of Taylor County.

That seat became vacant when Tomblin appointed now-Sen. Sam Cann, D-Harrison, because former Sen. Joe Minard, D-Harrison, resigned that seat to serve as Senate clerk.

Fragale lost re-election in November to freshman GOP Delegate Danny Hamrick. His appointment is effective immediately.

"Ron's 20-year history of public service will once again be a valuable asset to the people of the 48th District," Tomblin said in a news release. "I look forward to working with him to put West Virginia first when the Legislature convenes this month."

Fragale was first elected to the House in 1990. He is a retired educator, and he lives in Clarksburg with his wife, Christine. The couple has one daughter, Veronica.