Photo by Stephanie Elverd Alexander Gaaserud speaks about creating jobs, improving infrastructure and retaining young West Virginians during the Ohio County Republican Executive Committee’s meet-and-greet at the Scottish Rite Cathedral on Thursday.

WHEELING — Dozens of Republican candidates took the stage Thursday night to deliver rapid-fire pitches to voters, outlined plans to boost the economy, improve infrastructure and keep young people from leaving West Virginia ahead of the primary.

The Ohio County Republican Executive Committee invited the public to meet GOP candidates appearing on the May 2026 primary ballot during a meet-and-greet event at the Scottish Rite Cathedral.

Doors opened at 5:30 p.m., with the program beginning at 6 p.m. Each candidate was given three and a half minutes to outline their platform as part of what organizers described as an effort to inform voters ahead of the election.

Organizer Shelly Carenbauer said the event was designed to include a wide range of races.

“The Ohio County Republican Executive Committee put on the event for all of the candidates that will be on the ballot in Ohio County … anywhere from the U.S. Senate to state senate races, House of Delegates, Supreme Court, Intermediate Court of Appeals — we’ve even included this year the state executive committee,” Carenbauer said.

She emphasized the importance of giving voters direct access to candidates.

“Something like this is important so that the constituents get to not only possibly meet the candidates and talk to them, but also talk about why they are running, what is important to them,” she said. “We asked them to list priorities, what they hope to accomplish if they are elected.”

Carenbauer said she hopes both voters and candidates benefit from the interaction.

“For the voters, it’s obviously a great opportunity to meet those individuals … and to really know there are people out there who are willing to fight for them,” she said, adding the goal is helping residents make “an informed decision at the polls.”

Throughout the evening, candidates frequently highlighted economic development, job creation and the need to retain young West Virginians by providing opportunities within the state. Infrastructure improvements and conservative values also were common themes.

Among those speaking were candidates for U.S. Senate, state Senate, House of Delegates and judicial offices, as well as party committee positions.

U.S. Senate candidate Alexander Gaaserud focused on the need for change and connection with voters.

“We need to send people to Washington D.C. that are more in touch with the regular ordinary Americans in West Virginia,” Gaaserud said. “I know what it’s like to stand in the grocery store and put something back… We have to get representation that is going to save our state. I want you to vote for youth. I want you to vote for optimism.”

Fellow Senate candidate Tom Willis emphasized his experience and conservative platform.

“I am running to offer a credible, conservative alternative … someone who has a business background, a military background in special operations and a proven political track record,” Willis said, adding he would “defend our religious freedoms” and “Second Amendment gun rights.”

State Senate District 1 incumbent Laura Wakim Chapman pointed to her relationship with state leadership.

“I am the only candidate in this race with a great relationship with Gov. [Patrick] Morrisey,” Wakim said. “That matters when we need something in the Northern Panhandle. When I call, he answers.”

Her opponent, Joe Eddy, highlighted his private-sector background.

“Past practice is a great prediction of future action,” Eddy said. “Many of you may not know me as a politician because I have never been one.”

Eddy added his experience includes serving as an adviser to President Donald Trump during his first presidency.

State Senate candidate Bob Dobkin stressed the need to reverse population loss and economic struggles.

“I am running because I believe in a West Virginia that works for everybody,” Dobkin said. “We’ve seen far too many young people leaving to find opportunity elsewhere.”

House of Delegates candidates echoed similar concerns.

Dolph Santorine emphasized conservative priorities and economic growth.

“We need jobs and economic development. I want better roads… I want fewer taxes,” Santorine said. “We need to stop exporting our best and brightest, and start providing them opportunities right here at home.”

Incumbent Del. Jimmy Willis pointed to his record.

“Four years ago, I ran a campaign that centered around education, economic development and infrastructure,” Willis said. “In the four years since, I kept my word.”

Candidate Derek Ennis said his campaign is rooted in family and the future of the state.

“I am a father of three … and that’s my primary reason for running, because I want my three kids to stay in West Virginia,” Ennis said.

Candidate Beth Hinebaugh focused on economic opportunity and family support systems.

“We need to provide opportunities so people can build a good life, right here at home,” Hinebaugh said. “Better access to childcare grows our economy … and improves the financial stability and security of working families.”

She also emphasized infrastructure and education investments, including broadband, roads and teacher pay.

U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito was not in attendance but was represented by a campaign surrogate who presented a video highlighting her platform and relationship with former President Donald Trump.

Local radio personality Steve Novotney served as emcee, introducing candidates throughout the evening.

Candidates who spoke included U.S. Senate hopefuls Willis and Gaaserud; state Senate candidates Wakim Chapman, Eddy and Dobkin; House of Delegates candidates Willis, Ennis, Santorine and Hinebaugh; Supreme Court of Appeals candidates Martin Sheehan, Gerald M. Titus III, Tom Ewing and Bill Flanigan; Intermediate Court of Appeals candidates Daniel Greear and Jim Douglas; state executive committee candidates Lizabeth Gregg-Baldt, Elgine McArdle, Hinebaugh, Tommy Ogden, Ryan Weld and Riley Watkins; and Ohio County Commission incumbent Zach Abraham.