DAVIS, W.Va. — Delegate Randy Smith, (R-Preston) announced his intent to run for state senate Thursday.
As a two-term delegate, the long-time coal miner represents both Preston and Tucker Counties.
Should he capture the 14th district senatorial seat, he would represent Barbour, Hardy, Preston, Taylor and Tucker Counties as well as parts of Grant, Mineral and Monongalia Counties.
Smith confirmed rumors that he will file for candidacy Thursday morning on MetroNews “Talkline” with Hoppy Kercheval.
“Support for it or encouragement to do it was overwhelming. I talked about it and prayed about it for quite a while. I decided for sure this past week that I was going to go ahead and go through with it,” said Smith.
Smith wants the position currently held by Senator Bob Williams.
“I’m as conservative as you can get. I just believe if our state’s going to survive, we have to push forward. We have to make bold statements. We need someone that’s not afraid to take those steps and not be reeled in by special interest groups,” said Smith.
As of November 1, Smith said his primary residency has been Davis, W.Va., making him an eligible candidate to represent the 14th district.
Smith has worked in the mining industry for more than 3 decades. He said a new safety position prompted his move from Terra Alta, W.Va.
“It requires me to have quicker access to the mines in case of an emergency and training and doing meetings. I go out on all three shifts. So, I moved closer to work, approximately 10 to 15 minutes from the mines now,” explained Smith.
According to Smith, he’s unafraid to tackle any issue. While his 37 year career is in the coal industry, that struggling economic engine for the state isn’t the only area that needs attention from legislators.
In addition to getting coal on the rebound, Smith said “We have all of our eggs in one basket. We should have been diversifying our economy with other industry.”