Another West Virginia lawmaker is resigning with the start of the legislative session just nine days away.
Former House Majority Leader Harry Keith White, D-Mingo, stepped down Monday, saying he wanted to spend more time working on economic development in Southern West Virginia.
"I am working with others to recruit projects to Mingo County," said White in his resignation letter sent to House Clerk Steve Harrison. "If our efforts bear fruit, they will help our local economy begin to rebound."
White represented to House of Delegates' 19th District from 1992 to 1995, and from 1997 to 2003. He's since represented the House 21st District.
White has headed the House Insurance and Finance Committee. He served as House majority leader from 2013 to 2015, but surrendered the post after Republicans took control of the House last year.
White, who lives in Gilbert and serves as chairman of the Bank of Mingo, was a former pilot in the U.S. Navy. His resignation follows the departures of House Education Committee Chairwoman Amanda Pasdon, R-Monongalia, and Sen. Daniel Hall, R-Wyoming.
Several other Democratic lawmakers announced last month that they don't plan to seek re-election next year. The legislative session starts Jan. 13.
Reach Eric Eyre at ericeyre@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-4869 or follow @ericeyre on Twitter.