Gerald Titus III ‘risks the biscuits’ to become the newest Justice on the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals

By Autumn Shelton, RealWV

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Gerald M. Titus III has been appointed as the newest Justice on the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. 

During a press conference on Friday, Governor Patrick Morrisey said that Titus will serve in the position that was once held by Justice Tim Armstead, who passed away in August. 

“Tim exemplified all that is good and great about West Virginia,” Morrisey said. “He was a good and decent man of high moral character. And, whether you agreed with him or not, Tim was always committed to upholding the law and maintaining the highest of ethical standards.” 

According to Morrisey, he is confident that Titus, who was selected out of 12 candidates to serve on the state’s highest court, will also serve with honor and distinction. 

Titus, speaking during the press conference, said that although Armstead’s “presence on the Court cannot be replaced,” he pledges to serve “with the utmost dedication, integrity and humility with which [Armstead] served.” 

“He provided an example to which all judges should aspire,” Titus said. “I will forever be mindful of that.” 

Titus went on to thank those who made his journey to the bench possible.

“First, I want to thank Governor Morrisey for the trust he’s placed in me, and for allowing me the highest and greatest challenge and honor in my 22-year legal career,” Titus said, adding that he also thanks his parents, his family and all those around the state who prayed for him throughout the process. 

“Please don’t stop now,” Titus said. “This is when I will really need your support and your prayers. We all know judges are called upon to make difficult decisions. This is especially true when a case reaches the Supreme Court, which is our state’s court of last resort. I’m mindful that an appeal may be one of the most important events in a party’s life. I look forward to applying my full legal abilities and training to reach the right result under the law.” 

Prior to taking his role as a Supreme Court of Appeals Justice, Titus was employed at Spillman, Thomas & Battle, Morrisey explained. He also served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of West Virginia, where he worked in the Violent Crimes Division, and served on the WV State Board of Governors from 2020 until 2024. 

“I think he’s gonna be terrific,” Morrisey said. 

Titus was joined at the announcement by his wife, Meredith, and his three children.

According to West Virginia State Code, Titus will be able to serve a portion of Armstead’s unexpired term, which would have concluded in 2032. 

In order to remain in this position for the remainder of the term, Titus must run for the seat, and win, during a May 2026 special election.