West Virginia State House District 46

Current seat holder: Jeff Campbell (Republican).

Sarah Umberger

Sarah Umberger is originally from Maryland. While growing up, Umberger spent her summers working on a dairy farm and says that experience helped give her an idea of what rural life is like. Umberger moved to West Virginia 50 years ago and received her bachelor’s degree from Bluefield State University and her master’s degree from West Virginia University (WVU). Umberger says she devoted her career to teaching children with special needs. She is now a retired teacher and says she is running for office to improve the education system in the state. Umberger says she aims to make healthcare both more accessible and affordable, to improve wages in the state and to prevent the construction of more data centers.

“I am running for office because I see what has happened with poor leadership and politicized representation. It's time for us to have a voice that truly represents our needs both locally and in Charleston. I have the skills and knowledge to step up and be that voice.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey)
“I believe our public schools are the heart of our communities. We must invest in them, not undermine them. Every child deserves a strong, well-funded school in their community.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey)
“I want every child in my district to have a good education, with supports in place to ensure they have the tools needed for success as adults. That means support at home, food, and heat. I remember once, after a long, hard winter, I asked my students what they liked best about spring, and one student told me he was glad he didn't have to sleep in front of the oven now. Another told me she came to school because she needed to eat. That is unacceptable. We can do better.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey)

Jeff Campbell

Jeff Campbell was born in Hinton, West Virginia, on Feb. 8, 1969. Campbell has been the representative for District 46 in the House of Delegates since 2023. Campbell received his bachelor’s degree in communication from Concord University in 1996. He then went back to school and received a second bachelor’s in secondary education in 2008. Campbell has worked in sports radio since 1985 and as a social studies teacher since 2001. Campbell was first appointed as representative of District 46 when he was appointed by Gov. Jim Justice to replace former delegate Michael Honaker. Campbell also previously served as the delegate for House of Delegates District 42 from 2017-2020. Campbell says his priorities include strengthening the public school system in the state, making healthcare and emergency services more accessible and improving local infrastructure.

“I had no plans to run again or run against Honaker, but I have always had a desire for public service, so when the position opened up, I was eager to apply,” (West Virginia Legislature News Release (wvlegislature.gov))
“I was the only person eligible to serve who also had the prior experience of serving.” (West Virginia Legislature News Release (wvlegislature.gov))