CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A Democratic candidate for West Virginia’s Second Congressional District says his military experience will set him apart from others in this year’s race.
“We have the fewest number of Veterans and members of our Congress of any time in our nation’s history,” said Cory Simpson, a Charleston resident and a major in the Army Reserve. “We have no Presidential candidates with military service and I think that military service, especially during a time of war, is an important leadership crucible for public service.”
Simpson said his run, that was announced last week, is about putting West Virginians needs above himself to represent their voice in Washington D.C.
While describing his political outlook to MetroNews “Talkline” Host Hoppy Kercheval, Simpson said he’s “a servant leader with priorities.”
One of his top priorities is delivering results for citizens. He said the way to accomplish that is to give back to the nature of what Congress is supposed to do.
“At the end of the day they’re (Congress) is supposed to do two things and that’s money, our budget and then that’s also makers of law. I think that they can do both better,” Simpson said.
Simpson worked in places such as Afghanistan and the Pentagon. He said while he was at the Pentagon, he realized he wanted to run for Congress because he witnessed how “broken” the system is.
“It’s filled with career politicians and they’re more concerned with politics and posturing than they are with leadership and governments and I believe it’s time for that to change,” Simpson said.
Simpson is a Fairmont native and was raised in Kanawha County. He served for more than 12 years in the U.S. Army before returning home to West Virginia. He’s earned several military awards through his service including the Bronze Star and Defense Metitorious Service Medal.
The seat is currently held by Second District Congressman Alex Mooney (R-W.Va.) who said he plans to run for re-election.