Candidate Statements

To provide Hardy County Republican primary voters with a clear understanding of the candidates seeking local office in the May 2026 election, the Executive Committee invited all Republican candidates for County Commission, County Clerk, State Delegate, and State Senate to submit written answers to a series of questions. The Executive Committee also posed questions to all nonpartisan Board of Education candidates.

To ensure a fair and consistent format for all participants, the Executive Committee asked that candidates' responses not exceed 300 words per question. Candidates were advised that all submissions would be published online on the Hardy County GOP's Facebook page and/or website, as well as potentially in print, exactly as provided, with no edits made to spelling, grammar, or content to ensure that their messages reach the public in their own words without any outside interpretation. The deadline to submit finalized responses was Friday, April 10, at 11pm.

CANDIDATE NAMES ARE VISIBLE IF YOU CLICK THE POP-OUT ARROW ICON TO OPEN AS A PDF.

Questions for State Delegate Candidates:

1) Please give voters an overview of your background, qualifications, and current/past involvement in governing and/or community organizations.

2) Please provide additional background on your affiliation with, and involvement in, the Republican party – in essence, what made you a Republican and what motivated you to run for office?

3) In your opinion, what are the greatest challenges facing District 86, and the state as a whole, over the coming decade? And how, if elected Delegate, would you plan to address them?

4) The West Virginia House of Delegates is dominated by Republicans (91-9) but is split between more conservative and more moderate Republicans on many issues. Which faction do you generally side with?

5) Could you point to one or two controversial bills that were recently debated or passed by the House of Delegates, and explain how you would have voted on those bills and why.

6) If you could guarantee the state legislature passes a bill of your choosing, what would it be and why?

Questions for State Senate Candidates:

1) Please give voters an overview of your background, qualifications, and current/past involvement in governing and/or community organizations.

2) Please provide additional background on your affiliation with, and involvement in, the Republican party – in essence, what made you a Republican and what motivated you to run for office?

3) In your opinion, what are the greatest challenges facing District 14, and the state as a whole, over the coming decade? And how, if elected Senator, would you plan to address them?

4) The West Virginia State Senate is dominated by Republicans (32-2) but is split between more conservative and more moderate senators on many issues. Which faction do you generally side with?

5) Could you point to one or two controversial bills that were recently debated or passed by the Senate, and explain how you voted/would have voted on those bills and why.

6) If you could guarantee the state legislature passes a bill of your choosing, what would it be and why? 

Questions for County Commission Candidates:

1) Please give voters an overview of your background, qualifications, and current/past involvement in Hardy County governing and/or community organizations.

2) Please provide additional background on your affiliation with and/or involvement in the Republican party – in essence, what made you a Republican and what motivated you to run for office?

3) In your opinion, what are the greatest challenges facing Hardy County over the coming decade? And how, if elected Commissioner, would you plan to address them?

4) How do you plan to balance the need for economic development with the preservation of the county’s agricultural heritage and rural character?

5) Please offer more insight into your views on zoning.

6) Please offer more insight into your views on taxation, specifically regarding the tradeoffs the Commission has previously faced, and likely will face in the future, regarding funding for EMS and other services.

Questions for County Clerk Candidates:

1) Please give voters an overview of your background, qualifications, and current/past involvement in Hardy County governing and/or community organizations.

2) Please provide additional background on your affiliation with, and involvement in, the Republican party – in essence, what made you a Republican and what motivated you to run for office?

3) In your opinion, what are the greatest challenges facing Hardy County over the coming decade? And how, if elected Clerk, would you plan to address them?

4) How do you plan to modernize and streamline existing services that the Clerk’s Office is responsible for? Are there any new services you plan to offer?

5) How do you plan to ensure fair and convenient elections?

6) Many residents are unfamiliar with the probate process or how to navigate county records. Do you have a plan to increase public outreach or education regarding the services provided by the Clerk’s office?

Questions for Board of Education Candidates:

1) Please give voters an overview of your background, qualifications, and current/past involvement in governing and/or community organizations.

2) Please provide additional insight into your views on the proper role of government in K-12 education.

3) In your opinion, what are the greatest challenges facing Hardy County Schools over the coming decade? And how, if elected to the Board of Education, would you plan to address them?

4) At the state and national level, there has been a great deal of debate and controversy in recent years over topics such as Critical Race Theory, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), and gender identity. Please elaborate your views on these and related subjects to the extent they involve Hardy County schools.

5) Do you support or oppose the proposed school levy, and why? Regardless of your support or opposition, if it does not pass and you are elected to the Board, how do you propose to deal with the anticipated budget shortfall?

6) Are there any curricula or policy changes you feel the Board could make to improve student achievement?