CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A Beckley-based attorney officially launched his campaign for state attorney general over the weekend.

Sam Petsonk, who grew up in Morgantown, officially entered the contest, which will be decided in the 2020 election cycle. He is running as a Democrat.

According to his campaign website, Petsonk’s current focuses include labor law, workplace safety, black lung care and retirees’ rights.

“I’ve secured millions of dollars in judgments on behalf of hundreds of coal miners against some of the most powerful companies in West Virginia. I have represented everyone from the homeless to the wealthy, the working to the disabled. I have sued the government when they needed it, and I have represented the government when they needed it,” he said.

“I have found ways to use the judicial branch of government to bring people together and resolve some of our toughest challenges as a state. The law can do that for us, and our attorney general must do that for us.”

Petsonk’s platform includes advocating for coal miners and protecting retirement benefits, as well as support innovative approaches to aid small businesses.