Current seat holder: Jonathan Pinson (Republican).
Kathryn “Kat” Weiland is a Democratic candidate for the House of Delegates in District 17. She is a public school teacher and mother from New Haven, West Virginia. Weiland has worked as an educator for 16 years, including working with students who need extra support. Her campaign notes her experience in the classroom has influenced her views on education and other issues affecting West Virginia families. She says is running for office because she believes communities need representatives who understand the challenges families and schools are facing. Her campaign focuses on fully funding public schools, supporting teachers, improving roads, healthcare access, jobs and economic opportunities, and protecting Second Amendment rights. Weiland also supports government accountability and responsible spending. She ran unopposed in the 2026 Democratic primary and will face Republican incumbent Jonathan Pinson in the general election.
· Candidate campaign website & Ballotpedia (secondary source)
Jonathan Adam Pinson is the incumbent Republican candidate for the House of Delegates in District 17. He lives near Point Pleasant with his wife and children and works as a pastor and small farmer. Before getting into politics, Pinson worked in law enforcement for seven years with the City of Ripley, City of Ravenswood and Jackson County Sheriff’s Department. He left law enforcement to work in ministry and continues to serve as a chaplain for the Mason County Sheriff’s Department. Pinson graduated from Ravenswood High School and West Virginia University at Parkersburg. He was first elected to the House of Delegates in 2020 and has been reelected twice since then. He currently serves as an assistant majority whip and chairs the House Government Administration Committee. During his time in the legislature, he has worked on issues involving education, families, government and public safety.