Wendy Coleman
Wendy Coleman Coleman is from Williamson in Mingo County and works as a Title XIX Case Manager. Coleman is running against Republican incumbent Henry Dillon in the November 2026 general election. She says she has focused her campaign on issues including the affordability of everyday life, education and infrastructure. Her background as a case manager gives her experience working directly with people and families in the community. During the 2026 legislative session, Coleman spoke publicly about proposed funding for water and infrastructure projects, arguing that more funding was needed to address urgent infrastructure needs. She has also spoken about accountability and transparency involving the use of taxpayer money for education programs. Coleman won the Democratic nomination in the May 2026 primary.
“My commitment to the people of District 29 is to actively listen and to represent them openly and honestly. True leadership isn't found behind closed doors. You should never have to wonder why a vote was cast or how your tax dollars are spent. I will work to ensure that every decision is made in the light of day, with your voice at the table and your interests at the heart of every bill.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey) “Education-West Virginia, AFL-CIO, United Mine Workers of America, Communication Workers of America, International Union of Operating Engineers, Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, Building and Construction Trades of WV and local endorsements from Education - WV of Mingo and Wayne Counties.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey)Henry Dillon
Henry Corby Dillon is the Republican incumbent running for another term in the House of Delegates for District 29, which includes Mingo and Wayne counties. He lives in Fort Gay. Dillon was first elected to the House in 2022. He works in education in the Mingo County school system and has an academic background in English, secondary education, and leadership. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Marshall University, a masters degree in secondary education, and a doctorate in leadership. Dillon has focused much of his political work on issues affecting southern West Virginia communities, including employment, education, transportation and economic development. He also pointed to forestry, agriculture, and energy as industries with potential for economic growth. Dillon won the Republican nomination in the 2026 primary and will face Democratic challenger Wendy Coleman in the November general election.
Campaign site
“I believe that with sound economic policies in place, businesses will find that they can thrive in West Virginia. We must cut the total number and severity of regulations, beginning with the onerous regulations imposed by the EPA which are currently killing the coal industry.”
(Ballotpedia (Campaign Themes)) “As your delegate to Charleston, I will tell them exactly how badly we need to stand up to the elite in Washington, D.C. Coal production, forestry, and small farm agriculture are essential to the economic well-being of our county. I will fight to ensure that our concerns are heard loud and clear in legislature.”
(Ballotpedia (Campaign Themes)) “America is the first of its kind. No prior nation has been founded on the idea that all men are Created equal and that our rights come from God, not government. This is the freedom we must protect and preserve at all costs before our children become serfs to globalists whose greed and lust for power knows no end.”
(Henry Dillon Campaign Website)