HEANEY

CHARLESTON — Toby Heaney, a West Virginia National Guard veteran seeking his economics doctorate from West Virginia University, wants to take his studies to the West Virginia Legislature as a future state senator.

In a press release Wednesday, the Fairview resident announced his candidacy as a Republican for the State Senate District 2, the seat currently held by state Sen. Charles Clements, R-Wetzel. Heaney said he wants to use the example of President Donald Trump by seeking a seat in the state Senate.

“Look at what has happened in (seven) short months with Donald Trump as president,” Heaney said. “He has proven that: where there is a will, there is a way. Furthermore, we don’t get better service with career politicians. Outsiders get it done. That’s why today I am officially announcing my candidacy for the state Senate.”

Heaney is a retired sergeant in the West Virginia National Guard, serving 24 years with 20 of those years on active duty, including service during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Heaney has a bachelor’s degree in finance from Fairmont State University, a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Charleston, and a master’s degree in economics from WVU. Heaney is now pursuing a Doctorate degree from WVU in economics, focused on unemployment, the housing market, and veterans’ issues.

“As an economist and veteran, I have the background and the skill set to bring positive change to our state and district,” Heaney said. ‘I can help revitalize our economy with good-paying jobs while streamlining our state government.”

Heaney’s platform contained many issues popular among Republican voters, including term limits for lawmakers, protecting the rights of gun owners, lowering taxes, reducing waste and fraud, job creation, pro-life stances, increasing criminal penalties on drug dealers, and combating what he calls the “radicalization” of public school children and within public colleges and universities.

“Having two master’s degrees, I place a great value on education,” Heaney said. “That’s why it is so critical to stop the radicalization in our schools and empower parents. As the next Senator, I will fight for our shared conservative values.”

Heaney will face Clements, a New Martinsville resident who was first appointed to the state Senate in 2016 and elected for two four-year terms in 2018 and 2022. Clements – a U.S. Army veteran, businessman, and former executive director of the Route 2/Interstate 68 Authority – also served in the House of Delegates in the 1990s. Clements is vice chairman of the Senate Education Committee.

Heaney filed pre-candidacy paperwork with the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office on May 31, allowing him to raise campaign contributions prior to the start of the 2026 candidate filing period Jan. 12, 2026, through Jan. 31, 2026. According to his most recent campaign finance report, Heaney has raised $1,188 year-to-date with $792 in cash-on-hand. By comparison, Clements raised more than $78,000 during his 2022 re-election to the state Senate.