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State Senator, 15th Senatorial District

Vote for
1
Term
4 years
Candidates
2
Election
Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: A state senator votes on West Virginia laws and the state budget in the State Senate; each of the 17 senatorial districts elects two senators to staggered four-year terms.

District covers Hampshire, Morgan and part of Berkeley counties (West Virginia Legislature Senate roster). Regular four-year term. The district's other senator, Tom Willis, is not up this year. Ken Reed (Independent) is a declared write-in candidate (not printed on the ballot).

CandidatesCompare by issue

Taxes & budget

  • Elizabeth FerrisDemocratic

    No documented position found.

  • Darren J. ThorneRepublican

    • Voted for 2026 personal income tax reduction (SB 392).In office
    • Voted for the 2026 state budget bill (SB 250).In office
    • Sponsored bill reducing property valuation for certain farmland.In office

Public safety

  • Elizabeth FerrisDemocratic

    No documented position found.

  • Darren J. ThorneRepublican

    • Sponsored law barring police surveillance cameras on private property.In office

Education

  • Elizabeth FerrisDemocratic

    • Supports competitive teacher pay and special education resources.

  • Darren J. ThorneRepublican

    • Supports school choice.
    • Voted for 2026 teacher and State Police pay raise.In office

Housing

Economy & jobs

  • Elizabeth FerrisDemocratic

    • Supports job training and recreation investment for young people.

  • Darren J. ThorneRepublican

    • Voted for 2025 certified microgrid program law (HB 2014).In office

Health & human services

  • Elizabeth FerrisDemocratic

    • Opposes the state moratorium on new methadone clinics.

  • Darren J. ThorneRepublican

    • Supports religious and philosophical vaccine exemptions.

Government & transparency

  • Elizabeth FerrisDemocratic

    • Pledges to restore local control over data center siting.
    • Pledges regular town halls and no corporate contributions.

  • Darren J. ThorneRepublican

    No documented position found.

Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 7 issues covered in this race.