County Commission: Carl Hevener
Carl Hevener is announcing his candidacy for re-election to the Pendleton County Commission.
He has considered it an honor and privilege to serve the county for the last 17 years as commissioner. He knows that the next six years will be totally different than the past years. Working with emergency medical services and the fire departments will be one of the main tasks.
Hevener is a lifelong resident of Pendleton County and resides on the family farm which he operates with his brother, David, and nephew, Nathaniel. He is a 1981 graduate of Franklin High School.
He believes the most important duty of a commissioner is to use tax dollars wisely. Therefore, the commissioners have to manage the available resources to provide the necessary services to the county yet ensure the county tax dollars are used wisely.
If re-elected, he will work hard and keep a common sense businesslike approach on the table in making decisions that will affect the county now and in the future.
Hevener believes in working together and researching issues before making a decision.
He made no promises in the past and will not make any this time.
He has had the privilege to work with good and dedicated commissioners during the past 17 years. The commissioners always put the county first and that will not change.
House of Delegates – District 67: Les Mallow
Les Mallow is proud to announce that he has filed as a candidate for the West Virginia House of Delegates to represent the people of District 67.
He is a lifelong West Virginian and a practicing attorney who has spent his career working with individuals, families, and businesses across the region. Through his work, he has seen firsthand the challenges communities face, but he has also seen the strength, resilience, and pride that define the people of West Virginia.
He and his wife, Madison, have chosen to make Elkins their home, where they are raising two young children. Like many families, they believe deeply in the future of the state and the opportunities it can provide for children and for the next generation of West Virginians.
He believes strong schools are essential to that future, and he supports ensuring fair and equitable compensation for the teachers and professional staff who educate the state’s children. He also believes economic development and job creation must remain a top priority so that the young people have the opportunity to build careers, raise families, and remain here in West Virginia.
As a conservative and a proud Republican, he believes in responsible government, fiscal discipline, and policies that support small businesses, working families, and economic growth.
West Virginia is his home, and he cares deeply about its future. He is running for the House of Delegates because he wants to do his part to help ensure the state remains a place where families can work hard, succeed, and build a bright future for generations to come.
House of Delegates – District 67: Mandy Weirich
Mandy Weirich is running for House of Delegates in District 67. This campaign is about people, not party. She is running to serve the community not corporations.
She is a social worker, an educator, a former police officer, a caregiver, the wife of a veteran, a mother, and a proud daughter of Appalachia. She is running because working people are struggling hard for stability and security.
Fighting for economic opportunity: An economy is needed that works for young families, the workforce, and the aging population. That means reversing so-called “right to work” laws that have stripped workers of their power. It means investing in childcare, caregiving for family members, infrastructure, and broadband to empower local businesses and create affordable workforce housing to keep the young people here and draw new families to this state.
Investing in public education is an investment in the economy and the future. Weirich doesn’t want kids to have to move away for better opportunities. She wants them to be able to stay here and build their lives. She will fight to have and keep schools in rural communities!
Protecting the Community’s Health: Everyone deserves access to affordable healthcare. A person’s zip code shouldn’t determine the care one receives. Legislature must stabilize PEIA, increase EMS access/funding, improve access to critical OB/GYN care in the communities, and keep the strong vaccine laws to protect children and grandparents.
Standing up for West Virginians: Charleston does not have dominion over the local communities; the people still govern the state. Last year, politicians stripped away local control in the interest of large data centers that use land and water and raise everyone’s energy prices. She believes companies that want to do business here must be transparent and work directly with the communities.
Weirich’s own path has taken her from being a beat cop to an adult protective service worker, and now to a service assistant professor at West Virginia University. Through all, she has seen how security and stability are always just out of reach for working families. That’s why she returned to West Virginia more than 20 years ago to raise her family, and it’s why she is so committed to fighting for a better future for everyone.
House of Delegates – District 86: Betsy Orndoff-Sayers
A Wardensville native, Betsy Orndoff-Sayers has announced her candidacy for West Virginia State Delegate for District 86, which includes the southwestern portion of Pendleton County (Brandywine and Sugar Grove communities) and all of Hardy County.
A lifelong native of West Virginia, she graduated from Wardensville High School in 1979, received degrees from West Virginia University and George Mason University, and spent more than 30 years teaching family and consumer science (home economics) in Prince William County, Virginia. At the same time, she opened and operated a restaurant in Wardensville and spent years as a volunteer, serving on the school board, economic development authority, community center board and planning commission in her community. She’s a member of the Wardensville Lions Club and VFW Capon Post 2102 Auxiliary.
She was elected mayor of Wardensville in 2018 and has worked with her town council on several projects to improve the community – securing state and federal funding for projects in public water, wastewater treatment, streets, parks and recreation, library and the arts.
“I believe that local problems need local solutions, not ones imposed on them from Charleston or Washington,” she said. “If elected, I will work to reverse the current trend in the legislature of stripping towns and counties of important powers to make decisions that can have an impact on their citizens.
“The other big challenges we all face as West Virginians – problems best suited for solutions at the state level – include adequately funding of public education, fixing PEIA, providing clean water to all of our residents, provide access to affordable housing, and support for childcare and addiction treatment programs.”
She continued, “These are big challenges, and they won’t get fixed if we all just sit on our hands and fret, or grumble about it on social media. We need to get personally involved in our communities and work with the other good folks throughout West Virginia to make it a better place for everyone.”
House of Delegates – District 86: Steven Schetrom
Steven Schetrom has announced his candidacy for the West Virginia House of Delegates, seeking to represent the 86th District in the 2026 election. Schetrom brings proven leadership experience and a strong record of service as a member of the Hardy County Commission, where he has served since 2021.
“West Virginia stands at a critical moment,” Schetrom said. “We have tremendous potential for growth, new jobs, and expanded opportunity — especially here in the Eastern Panhandle. I’m running for the House of Delegates to be a strong, practical voice for our communities and to help ensure that our region remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”
During his time as Hardy County commissioner, Schetrom has focused on responsible budgeting, strengthening local infrastructure, and improving public services. He has worked closely with businesses, community organizations, and local leaders to encourage economic development while protecting the values and quality of life that define the region.
“As a county commissioner, I’ve had the opportunity to tackle real challenges — balancing budgets, improving emergency services, supporting local employers, and planning for the future of our county,” Schetrom said. “That hands-on experience has given me a deep understanding of how state decisions directly affect our communities. I’m ready to take that experience to Charleston on behalf of the people of the 86th District.”
Schetrom emphasized that his campaign will focus on three core priorities:
•Growth: Supporting policies that attract new investment and encourage small business development.
•Jobs: Expanding workforce opportunities and strengthening partnerships between education and industry.
•Opportunity: Ensuring families and young people can build successful futures right here in West Virginia.
“I believe in practical, common-sense solutions,” Schetrom added. “Our state’s future depends on creating an environment where businesses can thrive, workers can succeed, and communities can grow. That’s exactly what I will work to deliver as your delegate.”
A longtime resident of Hardy County, Schetrom is active in local civic and community organizations and has been a strong advocate for regional cooperation and economic progress. He and his family are deeply rooted in the area and committed to its continued success.
The 86th District includes communities throughout Hardy and Pendleton counties. He looks forward to traveling the district to listen to voters and share his vision for the future.
WV State Senator: Kevin Carpenter
Kevin Carpenter is running to represent the 11th District in the West Virginia Senate.
His mission is simple: “To Keep Our Children and Grandchildren Home in West Virginia, in an economy where they can truly thrive.”
Carpenter has lived in this district of West Virginia for more than 50 years. For the past 30 years, he has lived and raised a family in Sutton, where church, sports, FFA, and 4H shaped his work ethic and sense of responsibility.
Pendleton County is especially dear to him. For nearly two decades, he and his family have come here at least twice a year to vacation, camp, hike, and cave, building memories in the county’s mountains and communities.
He is a small businessman, an avid sportsman, and someone who deeply values the outdoors and rural communities that make our district special.
For nearly 30 years, Carpenter worked at the West Virginia Department of Tax and Revenue. He proposed changes that became law, reduced administrative costs, and helped major employers get in good standing so they could operate and invest here—all while keeping a picture of his children at the Sinks of Gandy on his desk.
His goal is simple: to help working families and local businesses thrive so the state’s children and grandchildren can build their lives here at home, with affordable healthcare, strong infrastructure, and sound education.
WV State Senator: Bill Hamilton
Bill Hamilton has officially filed for re-election to the West Virginia Senate for the 11th District.
His focus remains on the issues that matter most to communities, creating good jobs, affordable healthcare, improving infrastructure, supporting education, revitalizing the state parks and tourism and finishing broadband expansion — especially the state’s underserved rural areas.
By protecting and growing industries, attracting new businesses that value the state’s workforce and safeguarding the environment, the tax burden on the citizens can continue to be reduced.
Hamilton has always relied on common sense and facts to guide his work — protecting the land, defending the Second Amendment rights and standing for life.
As a state senator, he has always put the voices and needs of the people he represents first. Together, a real progress has been made and no one can afford to turn back now. It is truly an honor to serve the residents of West Virginia.
With everyone’s support, West Virginia can keep moving forward.
WV State Senator: Robert Karnes
Robert Karnes announced his campaign for State Senate, offering voters a proven record of conservative leadership, West Virginia roots, and a lifelong commitment to faith, family, and freedom.
A native West Virginian, Karnes grew up in Nitro and graduated from Poca High School in 1987. His family’s roots in the mountains of central West Virginia go back generations, and that heritage has shaped both his values and his public service. Before entering politics, Karnes built a successful career in the information technology field, working for more than 30 years in an industry that gave him experience across the country while keeping his heart firmly in West Virginia. He built experience as a businessman, owning and operating ventures in IT services, real estate development, and self-storage. He serves as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Civil Air Patrol.
Karnes was first elected to the West Virginia State Senate in 2014 and was re-elected in 2020. In the Senate, he built a reputation as a conservative and a legislator willing to tackle major issues. He chaired the tax reform committee, as well as the natural resources, pensions, agriculture, and interstate co-operation committees. He also served as vice chairman of the education committee and served on the judiciary and health committees. Those roles reflected the trust placed in him by his colleagues and the broad range of policy issues on which he has led.
Throughout his public life, Karnes has remained focused on the future of West Virginia and the people who call it home. His work has been grounded in the belief that families deserve stronger communities, better opportunities, and leadership that understands both the challenges and promise of this state. He brings a practical, results-driven approach to the job, shaped by legislative service, business experience, and family life.
Of all his roles, Karnes considers his most important to be that of husband and father. He and his wife, Amy, have eight children, and that responsibility has defined his purpose in public service. His vision for West Virginia has always been about building a state where the next generation can thrive, succeed, and build their lives close to home.
“I’m running because West Virginia is worth fighting for,” Karnes said. “I believe in this state, I believe in our people, and I will continue working to protect our values, expand opportunity, and build a stronger future for the families of West Virginia.”
WV State Senator: Jack Reger
Jack Reger is a Republican Senate candidate for District 11.
He is a retired educator with 38 years of experience in teaching (17) and administration (21). He has served as a trainer for a national defense contractor located in Stafford, Virginia, previously owned and operated a bed and breakfast in Buckhannon and served as vice president of administration and finance for an industrial contracting company. He currently serves on the City Council of Buckhannon where he has been elected for two terms. He is married to Charla Stewart Reger (44 years), and they have two children and four grandchildren. His knowledge and life experiences make him well equipped to serve the citizens of the district who are facing many issues that impact their quality of life.
Reger’s campaign is rooted in the belief that West Virginia’s strength lies in its people — its families, teachers, workers, and small towns. He is running to fix public education, protect community schools, and ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive close to home. “When our schools are strong, our towns are strong. And when our towns are strong, our state is strong.”
His leadership extends beyond the office. He serves on the board of the Upshur County Senior Center, where he advocates for programs that promote health, dignity, and independence for seniors. He also recently served as a member of the Partners Care Council at St. Joseph’s Hospital, helping strengthen communication between local healthcare providers and the community.
Following are the key elements of Reger’s campaign platform:
•Fighting for West Virginia’s schools, communities, and families;
•Education: Strengthening the schools;
•Economic Development: Keeping West Virginia’s money in West Virginia;
•Local Government: Empowering communities;
•Term limits for members of the Senate and House of Delegates;
•Agriculture – Supporting West Virginia farmers;
•Accountability at all levels of government;
•Faith, Family, and Freedom: Protecting one’s values.
West Virginia stands at a crossroads, and the decisions made today will shape the future of one’s families, children and grandchildren. He is running because he believes affordability can be improved by lowering utility and insurance costs, expanding the homestead exemption and ensuring seniors automatically receive the tax credit they have earned. He will fight to strengthen the coal and natural gas industries, reduce unnecessary regulations, and bring good paying jobs back to the communities.
