WHEELING – Democrat Karen Stakem didn’t expect to be a candidate for the West Virginia House of Delegates in 2026, but she indicates she is ready for it.

Stakem will run unopposed in the May 12 primary election for the Democratic nomination to the District 5 delegate seat presently held by Delegate Shawn Fluharty, D-Ohio.

For Stakem, the most important issues facing West Virginia are the economy and education.

She believes the Legislature “doesn’t focus on the everyday issues of West Virginians as they should” – the kitchen table issues that impact people’s lives.

“I think people are wanting common sense (from elected officials),” Stakem said. “They are wanting people to work together. They are over the animosity. They are over the hate.

“They are just wanting people who are willing to work together for the good of their community, and I think I can provide that.”

Stakem noted she hadn’t planned to run for the House of Delegates this year, believing Fluharty, would seek re-election.

But after Fluharty indicated he would instead seek the District 1 West Virginia Senate seat this year, she began receiving phone calls asking her to run.

She consulted with both her husband, Eric Stakem, and her sister, Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin, who told her they would support her effort if she chose to run.

“I thought really long and hard about it, because it is a change in your life,” Stakem continued. “It’s a major commitment and a big change.

“But I believe with my skill set and my background in public affairs and government relations, and my work with non-profits and service boards, I think I can give back. I think I can bring some good to our community. So at the end of the day, I said yes to doing it.”

Stakem is the granddaughter of Thais Blatnik, a former member of both the House of Delegates and the West Virginia Senate.

A mother of three grown children, Stakem considers herself “an empty nester.” She believes the timing is now right to enter state politics.

She previously ran in races for a seat on the Ohio County Board of Education.

“Not everybody can take off and leave and go to Charleston for 60 days,” Stakem said. “I have a work schedule that allows me to do that, and now my kids are out of the house.”

The Wheeling Park High School graduate holds both an undergraduate and a masters degree from West Virginia University in political science..

The Stakems started their adult lives working and living in Washington, D.C., but decided to move back in 2000 after deciding Wheeling was an ideal place to raise their young family.

Stakem works from home as a public affairs consultant. Much of her focus is helping municipal governments to obtain federal grants, and working with non-profits.

She presently serves as president of the board for YWCA Wheeling, and she is a member of the Greater Wheeling Sports and Entertainment Authority. And although her children are no longer school students, Stakem remains a member of the Local School Improvement Council (LSIC) at Woodsdale Elementary School.

“We’re deeply rooted here,” he said. “I care about education deeply. We are very fortunate in Wheeling. We have great options for education, and even for higher education here. There are also options for education in the trades and apprenticeships. “I’m looking forward to working with all of the schools.”

Beth Hinebaugh has filed as a Republican for the District 5 delegate seat.