MORGANTOWN – Familiar names will be on the ballot in November for House of Delegates and State Senate races, although some of those names will be appearing in new races.
In the House of Delegates 51st District, all five Democratic incumbents easily won their renominations. Dubbed the “Fab Five” Danielle Walker, Barbara Evans Fleischauer, Evan Hansen, John Williams and Rodney Pyles had no problems in the primary election.
“I’m really hoping we’re in a place with COVID-19 where we can have active campaigning, forums and exchanging of ideas because that’s the foundation of our electoral process,” Del. John Williams told WAJR.
They’ll be challenged by a pair of former delegates and three newcomers on the Republican side. Former Delegates Joe Statler and Cindy Frich lead the GOP ticket. They are joined by newcomers Todd Stainbrook, Justin White and Zach Lamaire.
A seat in the West Virginia Senate is up for grabs this November. Longtime state Senator Roman Prezioso did not seek re-election this year. Marion County Delegate Mike Caputo was unopposed for the Democratic nomination in the 13th state senate district. He’ll face Republican Rebecca Polis. Polis defeated John Provins with 58 percent of the vote for the GOP nomination.
Two candidates from Monongalia County will go head-to-head for State Agriculture Commissioner. Incumbent Republican Kent Leonhardt easily defeated a challenge from Roy Ramey, winning the primary race by nearly 45,000 votes. Monongalia County Senator Bob Beach won the Democratic nod over Dave Miller and WM J.R. Keplinger. Beached cruised to victory with 48 percent of the vote.
All results are unofficial until board of canvassing in each county certify the election results on Monday.