Republicans Secure Majorities in West Virginia House Districts 10-14 and Senate District 3
Republican candidates swept four of the five West Virginia House of Delegates races in Districts 10 through 14, and incumbent Mike Azinger successfully defended his seat in state Senate District 3, according to unofficial election results reported by wtap.com.
Voters across Wood County and surrounding areas shaped the makeup of the upcoming legislative session on Tuesday by deciding local contests as Republicans won four House of Delegates races and Azinger was re-elected.
House of Delegates Contests Deliver Decisive Republican Wins
In District 10, Republican Justin Beanard secured the seat with nearly 3,000 votes. District 11 went to Republican Jeff Sandy, who captured 2,600 votes.
The lone exception to the Republican sweep in the immediate area occurred in District 12. Democrat Dennis Rempel won a tight contest in that district with a little more than 1,700 votes.
Melissa McCrady won District 13 with nearly 2,500 votes, while Dave Foggin captured District 14 with more than 3,300 votes.
Senate District 3 Re-elects Azinger
In state Senate District 3, Republican incumbent Mike Azinger won another term. Reflecting on the results Tuesday evening, Azinger acknowledged that the race got a little close a couple times.
“It was a good night. It got a little close a couple times, but it was fun to watch and fun to win,” Azinger said.
Looking toward the upcoming legislative meetings, Azinger outlined an ambitious fiscal objective for the state government.
“We’re going to get behind the governor and continue to chip away, hopefully in large chunks, at the income tax and work towards making West Virginia a no-income-tax state,” Azinger said.
Transitioning from Cabinet to House Floor
For Jeff Sandy, the transition to the House of Delegates follows years of executive branch service.
“It is a great feeling, and I’ve already received phone calls from the Speaker of the House of Staff, and I’m really looking forward to working with many people that I worked for while I was Cabinet Secretary for Governor Justice,” Sandy said.
Sandy also emphasized the importance of civic participation while thanking local voters for their support.
“I greatly appreciate everyone who took time to vote. And I say this to all the citizens of Wood County. We really need to increase the percentage of the number of people that are voting because so many people have lost lives in wars and conflicts, to give us the freedom to vote,” Sandy said.
