HUNTINGTON òòò½ÊÓƵ” All 100 seats in the West Virginia House of Delegates are up for election in 2024. Tuesdayòòò½ÊÓƵ™s primary will decide which candidates go on to compete in the general election in November.
The West Virginia House of Delegates is the lower chamber of the West Virginia State Legislature, which also includes the West Virginia State Senate. Both groups work with the governor to write laws and create a budget.
Members vote to pass bills on public policy matters; sets limits on state spending; raises or lowers taxes; and votes to uphold or override vetoes from the governor.
Each candidate was asked the same questions for this story: òòò½ÊÓƵœConsidering what was presented in recent legislative sessions, what is the most important issue before the House of Delegates in the next legislative session, and how will you vote on it?òòò½ÊÓƵ
In District 22, Republicans Daniel Linville and Aaron Holley are the only two candidates running for this seat, meaning that it will be decided with the primary election.
Linville, 34, of Milton, says a growing government is his largest concern.
òòò½ÊÓƵœThe budget is the most important issue before your Legislature every year. Through the budget, we set our priorities òòò½ÊÓƵ” including funding for infrastructure, our schools, disaster relief, and every other function of government. We also need to limit the growth of government. So long as we are able to meet our priorities and avoid a growing government, I hope to be able to vote yes on your stateòòò½ÊÓƵ™s budget,òòò½ÊÓƵ Linville said.
Aaron Holley, 42, of Ona, is a track worker for CSX railroad. He could not be reached for comment.
In District 27, there are four candidates on the ballot: two Republicans, one Libertarian and one Democrat.
Michael D. Amos, 31, of Kenova, is one of the Republicans running. He works as a physician at Valley Health.
òòò½ÊÓƵœMy plan is to represent District 27 in the House of Delegates by lowering taxes, improving our business climate to keep attracting jobs, supporting local education, and to be a strong advocate for my districtòòò½ÊÓƵ™s needs. I think that these topics are going to be very important this session and I will be dedicated to working with the other delegates to keep moving West Virginia forward,òòò½ÊÓƵ Amos said.
Jeff Maynard, 60, of Huntington, is running against Amos.
òòò½ÊÓƵœIncome tax reduction is a major issue that needs to be dealt with. The cost of doing business in West Virginia needs to be revised. If elected to represent District 27, I would vote to reduce and/or eliminate both of these egregious taxes,òòò½ÊÓƵ Maynard said.
Gina Milum, a Democrat, and Craig Carpenter II, a Libertarian, are also both on the ballot for the District 27 seat. They automatically advance to the general election since they are the only candidates from their parties. This means that Maynard or Amos will run against Carpenter and Milum in November.
In District 28, there are three Republican candidates and no Democrats running for the seat. This means that the winner is decided in the primary election.
Ryan Browning, 42, of Kenova, is the president of Golden Bear Transport.
òòò½ÊÓƵœJobs and taxes are significant issues that the House of Delegates will likely address in the upcoming legislative session. The focus on job creation and economic growth is vital for the prosperity of our communities. Similarly, tax policies play a crucial role in shaping our stateòòò½ÊÓƵ™s fiscal health and supporting essential services. I will evaluate proposals related to job creation and taxation with a commitment to fostering sustainable economic development. My vote will prioritize initiatives that promote job growth while maintaining a fiscally responsible approach to tax reduction,òòò½ÊÓƵ Browning said.
Jason Stephens, 47, of Lavalette is a territory account manager.
òòò½ÊÓƵœBills that didnòòò½ÊÓƵ™t pass òòò½ÊÓƵ” HB 4299, 4851, 4654 and SB 813, all related to education òòò½ÊÓƵ” these are all extremely important. Our education system in West Virginia is ranked 50th in the nation, totally an embarrassment to our state and our childrenòòò½ÊÓƵ™s future. We need to basically abolish our Department of Education and start over; it can only help. We need to start by giving teachers the pay raise they deserve, start them the same as our state trooperòòò½ÊÓƵ™s $55,000 entry level, also give teachers more authority for disruptive children, holding good students behind and also holding teachers accountable for educating our students Western Hemisphere curriculum reading, writing, history,òòò½ÊÓƵ Jason Stephens said.
Samantha Stephens, 43, of Wayne, is a teacher.
òòò½ÊÓƵœAs a possible new member of the House of Delegates, I am looking forward to voting yes on bills that will ease regulations on our EMS services and help bring quality services to our district/county. I will also be excited to vote for easing taxes and bringing better paying jobs to my district,òòò½ÊÓƵ Samantha Stephens said.