West Virginia State House District 34

Current seat holder: Mark Dean (Republican).

Tara Sexton

Tara “Baby T” Sexton Sexton is from Williamson in Mingo County and has become known locally as an activist and online content creator. Sexton won the Democratic nomination for District 34 without opposition in the May 2026 primary. She will face Republican Barry C. Marcum in the November general election for an open seat. Sexton has spoken publicly about water quality, utility costs, infrastructure, school closures and access to services. She has also spoken out about the proposed closure of Dingess Grade School and public education funding.

“For years we've watched Republican leaders in Charleston refuse to properly invest in our public schools while shifting millions of taxpayer dollars into a voucher program that benefits private interests instead of local communities. Schools like Dingess are the heart of our communities. When you close a school, you don't just eliminate a building — you weaken an entire community. Mingo County Democrats will continue standing with our parents, teachers, school employees, and students to fight for the future of public education.” (The Real WV)
“For more than a decade, Republican legislative leaders have steadily underfunded public education while expanding the HOPE voucher program. Every dollar diverted away from our public schools makes it harder for counties like Mingo to keep neighborhood schools open, retain teachers, and provide the educational opportunities our children deserve.” (The Real WV)
“The problem isn't that West Virginia lacks resources — it's that Republican leaders have chosen the wrong priorities. Our children deserve better than watching their community schools disappear while millions are spent elsewhere.” (The Real WV)

Barry Marcum

Barry C. Marcum is the Republican candidate for House of Delegates District 34. He is from Williamson in Mingo County and is an attorney. He won the Republican nomination for the House District 34 seat in the May 2026 primary. Marcum received 319 votes across Mingo and McDowell counties, narrowly finishing ahead of Braydan Rodney Goff, who received 283 votes. John W. White and James “Tige” Harless also competed in the Republican primary. The general election is an open-seat race because Republican Mark Dean, who previously represented the district, is not seeking another term. Marcum will face Democratic candidate Tara “Baby T” Sexton, who was unopposed in the Democratic primary. District 34 covers portions of Mingo and McDowell counties.