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Wellsburg Today
By the People, for the People
Brooke Commission Addresses Vacant Seat and Other Matters
Commissioners discuss filling former commissioner's unexpired term and other county business.
Published on Mar. 4, 2026
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The Brooke County Commission in West Virginia has agreed to post a notice that the seat of former commissioner A.J. Thomas will be on ballots for the November 3 general election. However, the commission has not yet filled the vacancy for the remainder of this year. The commissioners are considering several candidates who have expressed interest in serving out Thomas' unexpired term.
Why it matters
The vacant commission seat is an important local political issue, as the commissioners must appoint someone to fill the remainder of Thomas' six-year term until the November election. This decision will impact the county's governance and representation until a new commissioner is elected.
The details
The commissioners approved an order to post a legal ad notifying political parties and potential candidates about the vacancy. Since Thomas' resignation came after the filing period for the May primary, his seat couldn't appear on ballots until November. However, the commission can fill the seat for the rest of this year, provided the appointee is a Republican living in the Follansbee Magisterial District like Thomas. Four candidates have submitted letters of interest: Hooverson Heights Fire Chief Rob Carroll, Joey Ewusiak of Ewusiak Development, former Follansbee councilman Tom Ludewig, and Christina White, the county's 911 center director.
- Thomas attended his last meeting as commissioner on March 2, 2026 after announcing his departure in September 2025.
- The commission has 30 days from Thomas' last date of service to fill the seat, though they may make the appointment sooner.
The players
A.J. Thomas
Former Brooke County Commissioner who resigned to spend more time with his young children.
Stacey Wise
Brooke County Commissioner.
Tom Diserio
Brooke County Commissioner.
Rob Carroll
Hooverson Heights Fire Chief and candidate for the vacant commission seat.
Joey Ewusiak
Leader of local business Ewusiak Development and candidate for the vacant commission seat.
What they’re saying
“I'm hoping we take the full 30 days to do it. But it's not going to extend past the 30 days.”
— Tom Diserio, Brooke County Commissioner (weirtondailytimes.com)
“If this can eradicate the spotted lanternfly, so be it.”
— Tom Diserio, Brooke County Commissioner (weirtondailytimes.com)
What’s next
The Brooke County Commission has 30 days from March 2, 2026 to appoint someone to fill the vacant commission seat for the remainder of the year.
The takeaway
The vacant commission seat is an important local political issue that will impact Brooke County's governance until a new commissioner is elected in November. The commissioners must carefully consider the qualified candidates who have expressed interest in serving out the unexpired term.
