West Virginia State House District 16

Current seat holder: Joe Parsons (Republican).

Jason Barr

Jason Milan Barr is a Democratic candidate for the House of Delegates in District 16. Barr is an operating engineer and a registered nurse. He has been a member of Operating Engineers Local 132 for more than 20 years and primarily works as a crane operator. Before and alongside his work in the construction industry, Barr has worked as a nurse in several areas of health care, including a cardiovascular intensive care unit, surgery and home health. Barr is from Evans, West Virginia. He ran unopposed in the 2026 Democratic primary and will face Republican incumbent Frederick “Happy Joe” Parsons in the general election.

“I am not influenced by special interests I advocate and support policy that helps regular working class citizens. I do not entertain frivolous social issues that only serve to divide and distract from the issues that affect our daily lives.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey)

Joe Parsons

Frederick “Happy Joe” Parsons is a Republican member of the House of Delegates representing District 16 in Jackson County. Parsons was first elected to the House in 2024 after longtime Del. Steve Westfall retired. Before entering politics, Parsons spent nearly four decades working in broadcasting. He served as senior vice president and general manager of MetroNews and West Virginia Radio Corporation from 1986 to 2024. He also owns West Virginia Speakers Bureau, LLC. Parsons served eight years on the Jackson County Board of Education. He lives in Ripley with his wife, Stacy. Parsons will face Democratic challenger Jason M. Barr in the general election. His legislative work has included issues involving education, health care, energy and economic development. Parsons was also inducted into the West Virginia Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2023.

“I oppose approving the Valley North project as currently proposed unless its necessity, alternatives, and costs are independently demonstrated and West Virginia communities receive meaningful protection. A project estimated at roughly $2 billion should not move forward on broad claims of regional benefit while landowners bear lasting impacts and residents face uncertainty about who pays.” (WV News / Jackson News Candidate Q&A)
“We should ensure transparent review of the project's public need, route alternatives, and likely effects on electricity bills. They should strengthen safeguards for property owners: require genuine efforts to reach voluntary agreements, fair compensation, clear disclosure, and due process before eminent domain is used.” (WV News / Jackson News Candidate Q&A)