MOUNDSVILLE – Two Republican candidates – incumbent Delegate Jeff Stephens and Moundsville resident Don DeWitt – are vying for their chance to represent the West Virginia House of Delegates District 6 seat during Tuesday’s primary election.

Stephens, 47, a Wheeling resident, said he is seeking reelection because he has much more work he wants to do.

“I’m running for reelection for the House of Delegates because we have unfinished business in regard to child care, health care, the drug epidemic, the mental health crisis, as always fixing our roads, improving the education in the state – especially in regard to reading, getting our citizens healthier thus improving our healthcare system – hospitals and our insurance rates, and finding solutions for our increasing electric bills,” he said.

Stephens said what makes him qualified for the position is his experience in the position serving his constituents for the past three years.

“Over this time I’ve made the contact to get things done,” he said. “Whether it’s helping a grandparent with DHS that’s taken on custody of a grandkid, or getting guardrails put up to help keep a new teenage driver safe, or when someone has questions about elections for the Secretary of State, or any other question for a state agency.

“These connections are important for my constituents to help them with their everyday needs. There are many jobs for a legislator, but constituent services is top on my list. It takes time and an outgoing personality to make these connections. I’ve done both and will continue to make these connections to help my constituents.”

Stephens said he was appointed to his seat in June 2023 by Jim Justice and then won the primary and general election for the seat in 2024.

If reelected, Stephens said he plans to focus on workforce development and several other issues.

“This comes down to getting our child care situation handled and getting our citizens in better health,” he said. “I’m also going to work on making technology in schools safer and less accessible. We need to get our kids away from the devices and back in the books. Mental health care is something else I have plans for. Also, making sure this opioid settlement money is being spent on helping our citizens that have drug addiction issues.”

Stephens is a graduate of John Marshall High School and West Liberty University. He works as a teacher at Sherrard Middle School in Marshall County.

He is a member of Sons of the American Legion. He is single and has no children. His family includes his father, Pat, sister Jill Stephens-Lime and her husband Dan. He is uncle to two nieces, Willow and Cricket Eller.

Stephens said he wants people to know that is working for the people of Marshall County and West Virginia.

“I’m not going to be bullied by an out-of-state politician or bought and paid for by out-of-state interest groups,” he said. “I have our people’s best interests at heart and will always work for them, not just be a yes man for an out-of-state interest agenda.”

DeWitt, 58, a Moundsville resident, said he is seeking to be elected because he wants to continue serving the public. He currently is a Moundsville City Council member.

“I am running to continue serving the citizens and to protect our West Virginia values, to strengthen our economy and protect our families and jobs,” he said.

DeWitt believes his work and life experience qualify him for the job as delegate.

“I spent 20 years protecting and serving citizens as a former detective sergeant and five years as police chief,” he said. “I am currently serving my second year on Moundsville City Council. My wife and I raised our children in Moundsville and have worked in this district.”

If elected, DeWitt said he will work to improve the lives of his constituents in many ways.

“If elected, I plan on putting more money in the citizens’ pockets by cutting taxes and strengthening our economy,” he said. “I’d also like to work on improving our children’s education, improving health care, and supporting our coal industry.

“I also hope to do what I can to help those affected by the opioid epidemic by helping the drug user get affordable treatment options that work and helping law enforcement get the resources they need to put the dealers behind bars.”

DeWitt has a bachelor’s degree in English from West Liberty State College. He works as a court security officer at the Federal Building in Wheeling. He and his wife, Ginger DeWitt, have a blended family with five children and nine grandchildren.

“I was recently endorsed by Governor Morrisey for the House of Delegates and look forward to making our district and state a better place to live, work and raise a family,” he said.