Beth Hinebaugh

WHEELING – Businesswoman Beth Hinebaugh thinks the West Virginia Legislature needs among its members someone with her varied experiences as a mother, first responder, coach, fitness trainer and military daughter.

She believes she is qualified and has filed as a Republican in the District 5 race for the West Virginia House of Delegates.

“District 5 deserves leadership more grounded in real world experiences,” she said. “I don’t approach policy as theory, but as something that affects people in real life. It needs to make sense in their day to day life.

“Jobs create opportunities. Strong families create stability. Focusing on that is how we build a future worth getting people to say here for.”

Hinebaugh noted she filed for office because “it was the right time to step up.”

“I’ve lived the challenges that a lot of the families in our area are facing. I understand the pressures of payroll and raising kids,” she said. “I was a single mom for eight years, and I struggled a lot.”

Hinebaugh is the mother of eight grown children. She and her husband Ed are presently fostering a three-year-old daughter. They also have 14 grandchildren – with a 15th on the way.

The couple owns Noah’s Ark Childcare, as well as the Fulton Fun Factory, Hinebaugh Development and Hinebaugh Athletics. Hinebaugh is also

Hinebaugh’s first run for office was in 2024, when she was a candidate for Wheeling’s mayor.

A native of Wellsburg, she has lived in Wheeling since 1995. Hinebaugh noted she grew up in a military family, and was “an Air Force child.”

She graduated from Brooke High School before achieving an associates degree from West Virginia Northern Community College. Hinebaugh added she took more college classes and worked toward additional training certificates after attending WVNCC.

Hinebaugh said jobs and economics are the biggest issues facing West Virginians.

“Economic opportunity is definitely at the top, as is encouraging small businesses and entrepreneurships,” she said. “We have to create a more stable environment so people want to stay here.

“Childcare and foster care are important to me, but we have to focus on jobs – it always comes back to that. Jobs, families and our future – those are my focuses.”

Hinebaugh added she has also coached sports activities over the years, and served on multiple boards in the community.

“I want people to know I’m approachable,” she said. “I will get out doorknocking. I want to know what the community wants when I go downstate. I want to serve the community and earn their trust.”

Hinebaugh is now the only Republican in the GOP primary actively seeking the District 5 delegate seat. Elgine McArdle withdrew from the contest, and Riley Watkins has indicated he is no longer interested in the office – though his name still will appear on the ballot.

Democrat Karen Shuler Stakem is the lone candidate on Democratic ticket.