MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Morgantown businessman David McCormick has announced his candidacy for the House of Delegates in the 82nd District.
New to the world of politics, McCormick is the owner and President of Omega Commercial Interiors.
“I’m new; I’ve never held office before; I’m a businessman, and I currently own a company,” McCormick said. “I’m not a career politician, so my livelihood does not depend on me being in the House of Delegates.”
The incumbent Republican in District 82, Debbie Warner, will not seek reelection; instead, she’ll work with her husband’s campaign to win the gubernatorial nomination. In the 2022 election, Warner beat Democrat Katie Falon by just 139 votes.
McCormick explained that Morgantown/Monongalia County needs a Republican to be a part of the super majority and the legislative process. In an unprecedented period of economic development, a Republican is best suited to keep the pipeline of new businesses bringing jobs to the area open.
“Morgantown needs to have Republican representation in Charleston to be part of the majority and the decision-making process,” McCormick said.
Noting that Monongalia County is an economic engine for the entire state, McCormick wants to promote policies friendly to growth. What’s been missing in Charleston for Monongalia County is a lawmaker committed to looking for growth opportunities that begin in the northern part of the state and provide tax revenue for the state.
“We need to make sure the parts of that engine, which in this case are the infrastructure, are sufficient for existing and new development,” McCormick said.
Taking the next step in economic development is what someone with a business background can bring to the House of Delegates, according to McCormick. Running a business, making payroll, and creating jobs are some of the skills not enough lawmakers have.
“There aren’t enough business people in the legislature, period; there’s just not. There are a few, but there’s not enough,” McCormick said. “This is a center-right state, and I feel like I’m right in the sweet spot.”
On the campaign trail, McCormick wants people to know who he is and plans to focus on that rather than being negative. However, McCormick said there will be differences in policy, and he will highlight those as they come up between now and election day.
“I’m going to spend my time telling people about me,” McCormick said. “My opponent has a record, and where she and I disagree, I will certainly point that out.”