MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — New faces will be seen representing Monongalia County within the West Virginia House of Delegates.
Tuesday’s results show a re-election victory for Delegate Joe Statler, R-Monongalia, but also the upsets of two incumbents, with Democrat nominees Michael Wendell and Eddie Wagoner defeating Geno Chiarelli and David McCormick for the District 78 and District 82 seats, respectively.
Wendell expressed appreciation to the voters who chose him to serve in Charleston.
“I’m surprised and not surprised,” said Wendell. “I obviously had no polling, so you have no idea how it’s going to go, but I’m really happy to be able to kind of start the real job now.”
Wendell noted that his conversations on the campaign trail showcased what he felt was a call from voters to bring a different perspective to Charleston in comparison to the Republican supermajority in the House. In particular, he mentioned frustrations around the lack of local control involving data center development included in House Bill 2014 that passed on a state level, as well as issues regarding education funding.
“I think the HB 2014 issue is a huge issue, just the lack of local control,” said Wendell. “Data centers by themselves are not necessarily evil, but the way that this was done really takes so much control out of local communities.”
Wagoner noted that voters he spoke with during his campaign reflected a desire for some level of change in those representing Monongalia County residents in Charleston. This not only included concerns regarding the lack of locally controlled regulations on data center development but also the lack of ways to address the cost of living for essentials such as utilities. Issues he hopes he can address as the 82nd District delegate.
“I think most of them are concerned about prices, others are concerned by data centers, but I think most of them are just ready for change,” said Wagoner. “And I think that’s what a lot of this election was about, change.”
Wagoner also stated that he expects the newly elected Democratic Party delegates will be able to make a push for legislation when new members swear in next regular session. This includes shared priorities on reversing aspects of Republican-passed measures involving education and data center development, while also promoting healthcare initiatives when possible.
“I think we can come together, I think we all have similar concerns about the state of the state and individuals,” said Wagoner. “And I think we can at least put forth some bills, whether Republicans will run them or not, I can’t say, but I think we’re all on the same page.”
Statler, the chairman of the House Education Committee, said he was caught off guard by some of the results.
“I did not predict that we would lose both Geno and Dave McCormick here in Monongalia County,” said Statler.
Statler said he looks forward to working with Wendell and Wagoner.
“There’s going to be some new faces there that I’m not real familiar with (the new faces) that’s down there, but at the end of the day, we’ll be able to work with them,” said Statler. “We will sit down and on most issues, and we agree on issues in Charleston more than what people believe.”