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State Senator, 2nd 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 Wetzel, Tyler, Doddridge and parts of Marshall, Marion and Monongalia counties (West Virginia Legislature Senate roster). Regular four-year term. The district's other senator, Chris Rose, is not up this year. Open seat: Sen. Charles Clements (R) did not file for re-election.

CandidatesCompare by issue

Taxes & budget

Public safety

  • Toby HeaneyRepublican

    • Supports longer sentences for repeat drug dealers.
    • Opposes bills restricting the right to bear arms.

  • Chris ClaypoleDemocratic

    • Opposes Flock surveillance cameras in the state.

Education

  • Toby HeaneyRepublican

    • Proposes in-state tuition for all veterans at state universities.

  • Chris ClaypoleDemocratic

    • Proposes updating the school funding formula.
    • Proposes limits on Hope Scholarship spending.

Economy & jobs

  • Toby HeaneyRepublican

    • Proposes ending unnecessary occupational licensing requirements.

  • Chris ClaypoleDemocratic

    No documented position found.

Roads & infrastructure

  • Toby HeaneyRepublican

    No documented position found.

  • Chris ClaypoleDemocratic

    • Supports using state surplus for clean drinking water.

Health & human services

  • Toby HeaneyRepublican

    • Supports measures promoting alternatives to abortion.

  • Chris ClaypoleDemocratic

    • Opposes closing and consolidating rural hospitals.

Government & transparency

  • Toby HeaneyRepublican

    • Proposes bill against predatory veterans' benefit claim services.

  • Chris ClaypoleDemocratic

    • Supports local control over data centers and transmission lines.
    • Proposes making the Public Service Commission elected.

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.