West Virginia Democrats and GOP leaders reacted to an announcement by Sen. Glenn Jeffries that he is switching from the Democratic to the Republican Party – a move that adds to the supermajority that already controls the Senate.

Jeffries, who represents parts of Kanawha and Putnam counties in District 8, said Thursday he is changing his party affiliation. Out of the 34 seats in the West Virginia Senate, four seats were Democrats prior to the switch. Now, that number dwindles down to three.

Putnam County's Republican Executive Committee released a statement on the switch.

"Glenn expressed to me his discomfort with the leftward direction of the Democratic Party and that he no longer identifies with them," Tony Hodge, Putnam County Republican Party chair, said.

Del. Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, serves as West Virginia's Democratic Party chair and spoke with Eyewitness News about the announcement.

"I'd say that this move has way more to do with opportunity than it does with any sort of ideology," Pushkin said.

In Jeffries' statement he released to the media, he "pledged to work in a bipartisan way to find solutions for our biggest problems in West Virginia. He plans to continue those efforts."

Jeffries also said he has "the greatest respect for the many friends and supporters I have been blessed with during my time in public office, I hope to continue and strengthen those relationships going forward.”

Known for supporting environmentally conscious policies, Jeffries is credited with bringing Berkshire Hathaway to West Virginia. The company is building a titanium melt plant in Jackson County. The plant would use 100% renewable energy from solar power.

"Sen. Jeffries was a fairly solid Democratic vote," Pushkin said. "He was actually progressive on a lot of issues."

Either way, Pushkin stresses West Virginia Democrats will continue to work with anyone, as long as it is for the betterment of the state.

"If we can work together to improve the day-to-day lives of West Virginians, we're there. But when the majority party does something that we feel is wrong, we're going to stand up and let people know," Pushkin said.

The upcoming legislative session will be tough for Democrats due to a GOP majority in both the Senate and House.

Pushkin accredits the majority to re-drawn district lines.

"The maps were drawn by the Republican Party prior to this election," Pushkin said. "It had more to do with how people voted than where they live. It's called gerrymandering."

The West Virginia Legislature begins its 2023 session on Jan. 11.