ROBERT "BOB" DOBKIN

MOUNDSVILLE — Wheeling attorney Robert “Bob” Dobkin announced Thursday morning he will run as a Republican for the 2nd District seat in the West Virginia Senate in 2026.

That seat is currently held by State Sen. Charles Clements, R-Wetzel, but Clements announced Thursday afternoon that he would not seek re-election, endorsing Dobkin as his successor.

Dobkin, a first-time candidate for office, announced his intention before a crowd of supporters in Moundsville at Grand Vue Park’s Richmond Hall. He described himself as “a common sense conservative” who would prioritize jobs, economic development and family values.

“I’m running because I believe West Virginia needs leaders who listen more than they lecture,” he said. “They should unite and not divide. It’s time to restore stability, restore trust and get back to governing.”

The state is strongest when residents treat each other with respect — even when they disagree, Dobkin continued.

“I believe in governing through moderation, not confrontation,” he added.

Dobkin, a Moundsville native who lives in Glen Dale, is an attorney who practices law at Spilman Thomas & Battle in their Wheeling office. His practice centers on corporate and business law, mineral law, and estate and trust planning.

Dobkin is a graduate of West Virginia Northern Community College, Wheeling Jesuit University, and the Duquesne University School of Law. He has been married to his wife Amy for 26 years, and the couple has one son, Ben.

Dobkin was introduced by Sen. Ryan Weld, R-Brooke, who represents the 1st District. Clements was also scheduled to attend and speak, but did not make it to Richmond Hall, sending out a news release of his intentions later Thursday.

After serving as a West Virginia Delegate, he was appointed to the State Senate in 2017, defeated Denny Longwell in the general election in 2018 and was re-elected in 2022, defeating Eric Hayhurst in that general election.

In his announcement, Clements mentioned health concerns as a reason for his retirement.

“It has been one of the biggest honors of my life to serve the people of West Virginia in the State Senate,” he said. “As a Delegate years ago and as a Senator for the last several years, I have worked hard for the people of my home Wetzel County and our surrounding area. I am proud of the work we have done to improve our state’s economy, begin to fix our infrastructure, and improve our schools.”

In the announcement, he also lamented the direction the West Virginia Senate has moved in recent years, saying it was “difficult to watch.” He said Dobkin would be a great person to take the baton and help move the state forward.

“For voters who want to see our state regain its focus on creating jobs, rebuilding our infrastructure, and improving education, I encourage them to support Bob Dobkin for State Senate,” he said.

Dobkin told those present he wants to continue to build on the presence Clements has in the Senate. He suggested that “West Virginia needs proven leaders – leaders who are focused on rebuilding our economy, rebuilding our infrastructure and improving education for all our students.”

“Most of the people you would talk to are frustrated right now,” Dobkin said. “They are frustrated with the government, and frustrated with the state of politics.

“They are also frustrated about the lack of civility and the lack of decorum. There is a lack of true leadership. Those are the reasons I want to run.”

He said he had never envisioned himself getting into politics, but that he was “tired of sitting on the sidelines.”

“Like most people, I was feeling sick and tired,” Dobkin continued. “I was just sick and tired of being sick and tired.”

He noted that, for years, surveys have shown West Virginia ranking near or at the bottom in terms of jobs, education and health care opportunities.

“Our legislators have a finite amount of time in the Legislative session to address those issues,” Dobkin said. “If we could just focus on job creation, education reform, health care and addressing poverty – if we could focus on those things during that 60-day window, we would be able to accomplish a lot more.”

Specifically focusing on education and education opportunities in the state could help with bringing jobs and population into West Virginia, he explained.

“We need a healthy workforce – a healthy West Virginia, right?” Dobkin asked. “We need smarter children, and we need to give them the education they deserve. We need affordable healthcare. We need recreation – especially to attract business.

“All those things will attract people to our state if we have a healthy population, if we have an educated population. That’s how we attract businesses in West Virginia.” he said.