West Virginia State House District 47

Current seat holder: Ray Canterbury (Republican).

Sarah Morris

Sarah Morris grew up in Ronceverte, West Virginia. She received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of South Florida in 2014. Morris is now a small business owner in the state of West Virginia. This is Morris’ first time running for the House of Delegates. Morris left West Virginia to attend college, saying she felt there were more opportunities elsewhere. But when she returned to West Virginia, she decided to run for office. Her priorities include making healthcare more accessible in rural parts of the state, making childcare more affordable for families and she says she wants to create more opportunities for work in West Virginia. Morris says she’s passionate about West Virginia because she grew up here and is dedicated to improving the state and helping its residents. Morris won the primary over Mark Phillips Jr., receiving 70% of the vote. She will face the incumbent Denny Canterberry Jr. in the general election on Nov. 3.

· Candidate campaign website & Ballotpedia (secondary source)

Campaign site

“I am running because I believe West Virginians deserve a government that works for the people who live here — not special interests or party leaders. I grew up in Ronceverte, left to build skills and perspective, and came home because this is where I want to put down roots and do the work. I'm focused on listening first, understanding what families are facing, and turning that into practical solutions that actually improve daily life in Greenbrier County.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey)
“I'm passionate about policies that directly affect everyday life in West Virginia: protecting access to healthcare close to home, keeping utility and grocery costs affordable, strengthening rural infrastructure, supporting working families and caregivers, and ensuring our democracy remains accessible — especially for rural, elderly, disabled, and military voters. I'm especially focused on practical, people-first solutions that make it possible for West Virginians to stay, return, and thrive here.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey)
“But it shouldn't be this hard just to get by while Charleston makes decisions behind closed doors. I'm running to open those doors and fight for District 47.” (Sarah Morris Campaign Website)

Denny Canterbury Jr.

Ray Canterbury was born in Charleston, West Virginia, on Feb. 19, 1969. He lives in Ronceverte, West Virginia. Canterbury graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Chicago in 1991 and received a master’s degree in business administration in 1996 from West Virginia University (WVU). Canterbury works for an internet start-up. He has a long history of being a delegate in the House of Delegates, previously serving the 28th District in the House from 2001-2013. He then served as the delegate for the 46th District from 2013-2016. Canterbury was elected to the 47th District in 2024. His priorities including job creation in West Virginia and second amendment rights. Canterbury won the primary against Mary Catherine Tuckwiller after receiving 68.7% of the vote. He will face Democrat Sarah Morris in the general election on Nov. 3.

“Actually, I think that because of the tariffs, in fact, our problem in the steel industry, or the coal industry, may temporary,” (wvmetronews.com)
“If the tariff strategy works effectively, we may end up reshoring our steel industry and then our coal industry will be very strong going forward because they'll be positioned to take advantage of that.” (wvmetronews.com)