Smith

BETHANY — If West Virginians want a government that works for them, they’re going to have to take risks, according to Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stephen Smith.

Smith addressed supporters — many of them college students — during his “West Virginia Can’t Wait” workshop and town hall meeting for supporters Tuesday night at Bethany College. Smith could be seen placing his own backdrop prior to the event, and taking photos on his smartphone of those in attendance.

“Never do we get the kind of leadership and change we need in West Virginia without the support of people in their teens and 20s,” Smith said. “We’re excited to have a campaign that listens to and is led by high school students, college students and people who cannot afford to go to school.

“Those are the people who are normally left out of the process, and we want government to work on their behalf.”

He told the supporters they can’t have the kind of government they want without taking risks. This can mean asking tough questions of government officials, meeting people they don’t know, or even making their first political donation. For others, it might even mean putting their own names on the ballot and seeking political office.

His “West Virginia Can’t Wait” campaign urges other people to run for office next year “and take back their government.” There are 64 candidates across the state who have signed on to the program, including Democratic 1st District U.S. House candidate Natalie Cline and Wheeling City Council 3rd Ward candidate Rosemary Ketchum.

Candidates wanting to appear on the 2020 primary ballot in West Virginia cannot officially file for election until Jan. 13, 2020.

Smith jumped on the campaign trail early, first announcing his intentions to run for governor in December 2018.

Since that time, he has raised $443,848 in donations and spent $276,508, according to his campaign finance report filed in September. The report lists his cash on hand then at $168,373.

Smith previously served as director of the West Virginia Healthy Kids and Families Coalition.

During his tenure, the agency successfully championed the passage of 28 pieces of legislation in the West Virginia Legislature, according to Smith. It also has started 300 community gardens and worked to establish walking trails, farmers markets and small businesses across the state.

Smith was born in Charleston, but graduated from high school in Plano, Texas. He went on to obtain a degree in sociology from Harvard, and also holds a master’s degree from the London School of Economics.

His wife, Sara N. Whitaker, is an attorney in Charleston.