Del. Brandon Steele resigns from WV House, effective immediately

by Caity Coyne, West Virginia Watch
December 18, 2025

Del. Brandon Steele, an attorney by trade who represented the Beckley area in the state House of Delegates and who often gave impassioned speeches during legislative proceedings, resigned from his elected position on Thursday.

He submitted his resignation through a letter sent to the House Clerk before 9 a.m. on Thursday, according to House Communications Director Ann Ali. In the letter, he said the resignation was effective immediately.

Steele, a Republican, told Lootpress — an online publication he founded in 2020 and continues to own — that his resignation was necessary due to “professional opportunities” arising that would “interfere” with his work in the House.

He said he was “honored” to serve his constituents and will “always cherish the time” he spent in the body.

Steele has served in the House since 2018 and previously served as chair of the House Committee on Government Organization. 

His resignation this week comes nearly a year after he was involved in a domestic disturbance where, according to a police report, his wife called 911 due to Steele drunkenly handling assault rifles and screaming at people in their neighborhood on Dec. 23, 2024. 

In 911 calls, Brianne Steele told police that Brandon Steele was “extremely agitated and very, very drunk” and that their three children, who were home at the time of the incident, were “terrified.” No arrests were made.

On Jan. 7, 2025 Brandon Steele was selected to serve as chairman on the House Judiciary Committee. That same day, a copy of the police report and recordings of the 911 calls from the disturbance were sent to members of the media and House leadership. The next day, Brandon Steele skipped his swearing in ceremony and on Jan. 17, he was removed as chairman of House Judiciary after a private conversation with House Speaker Roger Hanshaw.

Brandon Steele told West Virginia Watch in January that the “rumors” being spread surrounding the domestic disturbance were “vicious and disheartening.” He denied any wrongdoing.

In August, according to The Real WV, Brianne Steele — who works as the Raleigh County Circuit Clerk — filed an emergency protective order against Brandon Steele. That protective order mandated that Brandon Steele not be within 100 yards of Brianne Steele or her residence. 

Brandon Steele was reelected to his House seat in 2024, meaning a year remains in his term. Following his resignation, the Raleigh County Republican Executive Committee will submit three candidates to Gov. Patrick Morrisey to serve the remainder of the term. Morrisey will then appoint one of those candidates to the seat. 

The 2026 regular legislative session is scheduled to start on Jan. 14, 2026.

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