Nine people have applied for an open West Virginia Supreme Court seat. Gov. Jim Justice’s office says the applicants are C. Haley Bunn; Nicole A. Cofer; Robert J. Frank; Gregory Howard Jr.; Charles O. Lorensen; Kristina D. Raynes; James J. Rowe; Mark A. Sorsaia; and Joanna I. Tabit. Former Justice Evan Jenkins resigned last month to return to private practice. The governor’s office says a judicial commission will interview candidates in the coming weeks and recommend finalists to him. A bill awaiting Justice’s signature would let the appointee first face election when Jenkins’ term is up in 2024, rather than holding a special election in November. Justices are elected to 12-year terms.