Chapman Sees Fluharty Challenge in Senate District 1
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WHEELING - At the top of Nov. 3 general election ballot for many in the Northern Panhandle is a race between two current legislators wanting to represent District 1 in the West Virginia Senate.
Incumbent State Sen. Laura Wakim Chapman, R-Ohio, is completing her first term in the Senate. She sees a challenge from six-term Delegate Shawn Fluharty, a Democrat also from Ohio County.
Fluharty expressed his frustration at what has been the legislative focus in recent years.
“It’s time to put the Northern Panhandle first and get back to focusing on the issues that actually matter to our people," he said. "I am tired of watching our state being governed from the fringe while being bought and sold to the highest bidder. The result? Under current leadership, West Virginia's economy ranks last, according to the latest Bureau of Economic Analysis report. That's unacceptable.
"People are tired of political games while their bills keep rising and opportunities keep disappearing. I grew up in a working-class family, and I know what matters: good-paying jobs, strong schools, affordable healthcare, and keeping more money in your pocket. Throughout my time in the Legislature, I’ve focused on practical solutions, protecting our communities, and finding new ways to grow our economy without putting additional burdens on taxpayers."
Chapman explained she originally ran for the Senate four years ago to make the Ohio Valley an even better place to raise a family.
"I have been successful on that front in the past four years," Chapman said.
She noted since taking office she has passed legislation to make public schools safer - including the "Guardian Act," which is aimed at hiring retired military veterans to work security in school buildings.
Chapman noted she was the lead sponsor on a successful bill to eliminate the social security tax in West Virginia. She added she also voted for three income tax cuts, as well as the vehicle tax rebate.
"I have worked tirelessly to make certain the Northern Panhandle has not been forgotten by Charleston. I've proven that through the millions of dollars in infrastructure upgrades that we have seen happening around the Northern Panhandle.
"There's more work to be done and I am not going to give up."
About The Candidates
Chapman is a constitutional lawyer and is married to attorney Matt Chapman. The couple has two young children, Jackson and Eloise.
Her father, Chris Wakim, is a former member of the House of Delegates.
She is a graduate of the former Mt. de Chantal Academy, of West Virginia University and the WVU College of Law.
Fluharty also is an attorney, and a graduate of WVU.
He was first elected to the House of Delegates in 2014, and serves in the minority whip leadership in the House. He is also the minority chair of the judiciary committee.
Fluharty is engaged to marry Adrienne Robbins.
What Makes You Different From Your Opponent?
"I have built a coalition of bipartisan support from those focused on moving our state forward," Fluharty said. "I am the only candidate in this race endorsed by business, labor and law enforcement.
"From our small businesses as part of the WV State Chamber, to our local trades to the WV State Troopers Association supporting my work with Raylee's Law, I have gathered support of our job creators, our workers and our first responders. They have looked at the legislative records of the candidates in this race and chosen to support our campaign."
Fluharty added he is "the vocal representative who isn't afraid to speak up for the Northern Panhandle and local communities, no matter who is on the other side."
"Look no further than House Bill 2014 which stripped local control on data centers and sent our taxpayer money to Charleston," he continued. "I stood up against it. My opponent proudly voted for it."
Fluharty added he also led the charge that led to online gaming legislation in the state - a move that has been financially profitable for West Virginia.
Chapman noted she is able to pass legislation in Charleston when her opponent has not been able to do so.
"He has been down there three times the amount of time that I have been," she said. "I answer the phone when a constituent calls, and I problem-solve for them. My constituent services are unmatched.
"I have been very successful in helping people and putting them in the right direction when they call me for help."
Chapman estimates she has given out her personal cellphone number to over 10,000 people. She added she has a good track record helping them - especially when it comes to roads.
"I have a good relationship with state roads District 6, which is our district," Chapman said. "It's those relationships that really bring success to the Northern Panhandle. I am effective in getting things done.
Biggest Issues Facing The State
"I have knocked on thousands of doors this election cycle," Fluharty said. "I have had the real conversations that current leadership in Charleston refuses to have or even recognize. Our economy is flat. Our young people continue to leave. Our state fails at providing basic essential services like clean water.
"West Virginia cannot afford to keep falling behind while politicians focus on distractions instead of solutions."
Responsible governing means first listening to the people and then actually fighting for their quality of life concerns, he noted.
"We need a comprehensive economic development strategy that attracts good-paying jobs, supports small businesses, and keeps our young people here," Fluharty said. "Charleston needs to stop fighting imaginary battles and start fighting for the people who call West Virginia home."
Chapman said affordability is the biggest issue facing West Virginia.
"Our gas prices are through the roof," she explained. "I think that's the difference. It hurts working families who have a long drive to their employment.
"More tax relief would be helpful, and putting money back in their pockets."
Chapman also believes education and adjusting the state's funding formula is important.
"We've seen a lot of school closures - luckily, not locally," she said. "But we saw that issue in Hancock County this session. I had to fight tooth and nail to get the $8 million loan for (Hancock County Schools), but we got it done.
"But we need better funding to make sure our students and teachers are not being harmed by our funding formula."
Focus on Next Session
Chapman said there needs to be more investment in the Northern Panhandle.
"A lot of these announcements that are recent I've worked on very hard," she said. "I have been working very hard to fill our industrial spaces. I am hopeful we will get some great announcements in the future."
Chapman added she will continue to work to reduce taxes and stall utility rates during the coming sessions.
Last session, she was the lead sponsor on legislation to eliminate tax on tips and overtime.
"Unfortunately, that bill didn't get across the finish line," Chapman said. "It is a priority of mine come next session.
"All of that is about putting your hard-earned money back in your pocket and out of Charleston."
Every year since 2018, Fluharty has introduced and tried to pass "Raylee's Law" in the legislature. The bill seeks to temporarily block parents or guardians from withdrawing their children from public, charter, or private schools for homeschooling if there is an active child abuse or neglect investigation involving them before law enforcement.
"First and foremost, (we need) final passage of Raylee's Law," he said. " As you know we have successfully moved it in the House, but failed to get it done in the Senate. Recently, I have been working with (State Sen. Ryan Weld, R-Brooke) and fully anticipate we can get this pivotal legislation completed to help protect our kids.
"As I said the last night of session when the bill failed in the final moments, it is abhorrent that the legislature chose politics over protecting our kids. I look forward to continuing to work with Sen. Weld so that it doesn't happen again," Fluharty added.