West Virginia State House District 5

Current seat holder: Shawn Fluharty (Democrat).

Karen Shuler Stakem

Karen Shueler Stakem is a Democratic candidate for the West Virginia House of Delegates, District 5. Stakem is a Wheeling native, graduating from Wheeling Park High School and going on to obtain bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science from West Virginia University (WVU). Following graduation, she and husband, Eric, relocated to Washington D.C. and then returned to Wheeling in 2000 to raise their three children. Stakem currently works from home as a public affairs consultant and helps run her family business, Hole ‘n Run sporting goods store in Wheeling. She serves as president of the board for YWCA Wheeling, is a member of the greater Wheeling Sports and Entertainment Authority and is a member of the Local School Improvement Council at Woodsdale Elementary School. Stakem’s campaign focuses on addressing economic and education issues in West Virginia. Stakem ran unopposed and advanced from the Democratic primary on May 12, 2026. She is the granddaughter of Thais Blatnick, a former member of both the House of Delegates and the West Virginia Senate. Stakem previously ran in races for a seat on the Ohio County Board of Education.

· Candidate campaign website & Ballotpedia (secondary source)

Campaign site

“I've raised my three children right here in West Virginia with my husband, and like so many families, I understand what it means to juggle work, school, run a small business, and everything it takes to give our kids the best path for a bright future. That's why I care so deeply about strong schools, ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their greatest potential, and making sure we remain center focused on job creation.” (Karen Shuler Stakem Campaign Website)
“I'm running because I love this place, I love our people, and I believe West Virginia is at its best when we take care of one another. I'm excited to connect with each of you in the weeks and months ahead, and I humbly ask for your support, your advice, and your prayers as we do this important work together.” (Karen Shuler Stakem Campaign Website)

Beth Hinebaugh

Beth Ann Hinebaugh is the Republican candidate for the West Virginia House of Delegates, District 5. She graduated from Brooke High School. Following completion, Hinebaugh earned her degree in childhood education from West Virginia Northern Community College. Before she started her career in politics, she worked as a police officer for the city of Wheeling and as an EMT/firefighter for the Village of Clearview. Hinebaugh, like her opponent, is also a business owner with 20 years of experience. She and her husband, Ed, operate and own multiple small businesses, a few of which are Noah’s Ark Childcare and Learning Center, Hinebaugh Athletics, Fulton Fun Factory, and Hinebaugh Development. They are a blended family, including eight children. She also ran for Wheeling mayor on May 14, 2024, in the West Virginia primary election. Hinebaugh’s campaign is centered around the concepts within her slogan: Jobs. Families. Future. Some main focal points include lowering taxes, less regulation on businesses to promote job creation, teacher pay and education, the drug crisis, child care, infrastructure investment, protection of female spaces and the protection of gun owners’ rights.

· Candidate campaign website & Ballotpedia (secondary source)

Campaign site

“Beth isn't a politician. She's an entrepreneur with 20 years of business experience, a mother of eight, and a former police officer for the City of Wheeling. She knows firsthand the challenges that businesses and parents face. She's tough on crime and tireless in the fight against the fentanyl and opioid crisis tearing apart our communities.” (Beth Hinebaugh Campaign Website)
“Beth Hinebaugh has spent a lifetime caring for families, creating jobs, and investing in our community. She's tested and proven — and has the life and business experience needed to be our fighter in Charleston.” (Beth Hinebaugh Campaign Website)