West Virginia State House District 18

Current seat holder: Jim Butler (Republican).

Jonathan Hersman

Jonathan Dale Hersman is a Democratic candidate for the House of Delegates in District 18. He is from Point Pleasant and has worked in Mason County Schools for more than 10 years and is currently the principal of Roosevelt Elementary School. Before becoming a principal, he was a teacher and technology specialist in the school district. Hersman also taught science at Point Pleasant Junior/Senior High School and has degrees in education and leadership from West Virginia State University, Marshall University and Arizona State University. He has two daughters who attend Mason County Schools. Hersman ran unopposed in the 2026 Democratic primary and will face Republican incumbent Jim Butler in the general election. His campaign says his background in education is relevant to one of the biggest issues in the race.

· Candidate campaign website & Ballotpedia (secondary source)

Campaign site

“I'm proud to call Mason County home. Like many families here, I care deeply about our community — our schools, our jobs, our roads, and the opportunities we leave for the next generation. I'm running because I believe our government should work for the people, not political agendas.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey)
“Education Reform Our education system needs real improvement. Ranking near the bottom is not acceptable for our children or our future. It's time for change. I will fight to strengthen our schools, support our teachers, and make sure every student in our district has the opportunity to succeed.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey)
“I am passionate about improving education, strengthening our infrastructure, and protecting our local communities as we grow.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey)

Jim Butler

Jim Butler is a Republican member of the House of Delegates representing District 18, which includes Mason and Putnam counties. Butler has served in the House for several years and currently serves as an assistant majority whip. Before entering politics, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps and worked as an excavating and logging contractor. He also has experience in classic auto restoration. Butler is from Mason County and is involved with several local organizations, including the Mason County Chamber of Commerce, Mason County Farm Bureau and Mason County Development Authority Advisory Committee. He has two children and is married to Anna Maria Butler. In the legislature, Butler serves on the Homeland Security, Judiciary and Legal Services committees. He has worked on issues including taxes, education, hunting, elections and veterans. Butler ran unopposed in the 2026 Republican primary and will face Democratic candidate Jonathan Hersman in the November general election.

Campaign site

“Get to know me, ask questions or just list your concerns or suggestions. You can do so by phone, email, on on Facebook .” (Jim Butler Campaign Website)
“We will not abandon these guarantees of individual liberty in the pursuit of hollow 'solutions' that will not solve the current issue, much less guarantee freedom to the generations that will follow us.” (West Virginia Legislature News Release (wvlegislature.gov))
“Legislators calling for 'red flag' laws are preying upon the fear generated by the actions of madmen that would carry out their acts regardless of any laws this State would enact. What is clear to us is the breakdown of the family will not be overcome by well-intentioned but misplaced legislation that does nothing to solve the core issues that lead to these tragedies.” (West Virginia Legislature News Release (wvlegislature.gov))