photo by: Photo courtesy of WV Legislative Photography

House Minority Whip Shawn Fluharty, D-Ohio, vehemently opposed a bill passed in the House on Friday that banned all gender-affirming care to minors.

By JOSELYN KING

WHEELING – Delegate Shawn Fluharty says his goal in life is to speak for and represent those without voices in society.

Fluharty, D-Ohio, 39, is both an attorney and a state lawmaker who represents District 5 in the West Virginia House of Delegates.

He was first elected to the House in 2014, and graduated from the West Virginia University College of Law in 2009. He has practiced with the law firm Bordas & Bordas as a civil litigation

attorney since 2019.

“During legislative session my days are filled with committee meetings and floor sessions,” Fluharty said. “I serve on the judiciary committee, which tends to be an extremely busy committee where most legislation goes through before passage. Time management is of critical importance when you are faced with just a 60 day legislative session.”

The motto Fluharty lives by is “be a voice for the voiceless.”

“My decision to become an attorney – and to also enter public service- is based on that premise,” he explained. “Regardless of whether it is in the courtroom or on the legislative floor, I always strive to fight for those who need someone to stand up for them.”

Fluharty added it is the people of the Ohio Valley that keeps him in Wheeling.

“We are surrounded by honest, hard-working people who truly care about their fellow

neighbor,” he said. “The Ohio Valley feels like a team effort. We are proud of where we are from and we have a unity that few other places offer.”

One attribute of the local area is that it gives residents ample opportunity to join with others in groups and activities, according to Fluharty.

“I think the ability for a young professional to be highly involved in the community and be part of the growth and change you want to see is something the Ohio Valley brings to the table that other parts of the country do not offer,” he said. “When I speak to high school or college students that is a message I tend to relay often – the barrier of entry to get involved and make a difference is low – so go do it!”

Fluharty also tells young people to expect some obstacles as they enter the workforce.

“There will be ups and downs in your career, but the relationships you build along the way could pay dividends down the road, so don’t be afraid to start networking right away,” he said. “Always be willing to listen and learn from those around you. (And) empathy for others will take you a long way in your career and in life.

Fluharty first lost runs for the House in 2010 and 2012 before being victorious in 2014.

“Losing an election can be a humbling experience,” he said. “Instead of making excuses or giving up, I knew working harder was the answer. Adversity can hit in many different ways in your career, how you respond to that adversity is how you can change the course going forward to create a positive path.”

Fluharty believes young attorneys will be among those stepping up to take the region forward in the coming years.

“I see the legal field in the Ohio Valley as a community leader with very high community involvement,” he said. “Many of my colleagues – and in particular those at Bordas & Bordas – are highly engaged in the community in many different facets. I think prospective attorneys looking for an area to practice law would be well served to look at the Ohio Valley.”

Fluharty said he is not married “yet,” but he and his girlfriend recently adopted a lab/husky mix from the Ohio County Animal Shelter. His name is “Bluto.”