State
State Senator, 1st 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 Hancock, Brooke, Ohio and part of Marshall counties (West Virginia Legislature Senate roster). Regular four-year term. The district's other senator, Ryan Weld, is not up this year.
Taxes & budget
Shawn FluhartyDemocratic
- Supported legalizing regulated sports betting and online gaming.
- Voted for 2026 personal income tax reduction (SB 392).In office
- Voted against the 2026 state budget bill (SB 250).In office
Laura Wakim ChapmanRepublican
- Voted for the 2026 state budget bill (SB 250).In office
- Sponsored bill ending sales tax on residential utility payments.In office
Public safety
Shawn FluhartyDemocratic
- Introduced Raylee's Law on child abuse protections.
Laura Wakim ChapmanRepublican
No documented position found.
Education
Shawn FluhartyDemocratic
- Voted for 2026 teacher and State Police pay raise.In office
Laura Wakim ChapmanRepublican
- Voted for 2026 teacher and State Police pay raise.In office
- Sponsored bill giving public school staff a 10 percent raise.In office
Economy & jobs
Shawn FluhartyDemocratic
- Voted against 2025 certified microgrid program law (HB 2014).
- Sponsored a "Stay in State" tax credit bill.In office
- Sponsored bill barring credit history use in insurance.In office
Laura Wakim ChapmanRepublican
- Voted for 2025 certified microgrid program law (HB 2014).In office
Roads & infrastructure
Shawn FluhartyDemocratic
No documented position found.
Laura Wakim ChapmanRepublican
- Sponsored bill requiring legislative approval of utility rate increases.In office
Health & human services
Shawn FluhartyDemocratic
No documented position found.
Laura Wakim ChapmanRepublican
- Sponsored bill extending Medicaid coverage for postpartum care.In office
Government & transparency
Shawn FluhartyDemocratic
No documented position found.
Laura Wakim ChapmanRepublican
- Sponsored bill limiting state elected officials to three terms.In office
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.