Tonya Shuler
Tonya Patrick Shuler is the Democratic candidate for the House of Delegates in District 20. She is a resident of Hurricane in Putnam County and has previously been involved in local Democratic politics. Shuler won the Democratic nomination without opposition in the May 2026 primary and will face Republican incumbent Sarah Drennan in the November general election.
Sarah Drennan
Sarah Elizabeth Drennan is the Republican incumbent representing District 20 in the House of Delegates. She was first elected in 2024 and is seeking another term. Drennan was born in Huntington and works as a registered nurse in a neonatal intensive care unit. She attended Marshall University’s St. Mary’s School of Nursing. Before entering the legislature, she worked as a NICU nurse at Cabell Huntington Hospital, WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals and Kosair Children’s Hospital. Drennan serves as an assistant majority whip in the House and sits on committees dealing with government organization, healthcare, public health and local government. Her campaign has discussed manufacturing, skilled trades and jobs in Putnam County.
Campaign site
“I believe deeply in West Virginia and in the people who call it home. I want to help build a future where our children don't feel like they have to leave the state they love to find opportunity. I want them to be able to get a great education, build successful careers, raise their families, and create their own futures right here at home in West Virginia.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey) “Job creation is essential to West Virginia's future. Our children are our greatest asset, but for too long, we've educated and prepared them for success only to watch too many leave our state in search of opportunity. We need good-paying jobs and strong career opportunities right here in West Virginia so our kids can build their futures here, raise their families here, and invest their talents back into the communities that raised them. I want the next generation to see West Virginia not as a place they have to leave to succeed, but as the place they choose to stay, build, and call home.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey) “Economic development is something I'm passionate about because good-paying jobs strengthen every part of West Virginia. They strengthen our schools, improve access to healthcare, support stronger communities, and give our families more opportunities to succeed. But economic development and childcare go hand in hand. If we want parents to enter the workforce and stay in the workforce, they need access to quality, affordable childcare they can depend on. Bringing good jobs to West Virginia is important. Making sure West Virginia families can take advantage of those opportunities is just as important.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey)