West Virginia State House District 71

Current seat holder: Laura Kimble (Republican).

Robert Garcia

Robert “Rob” Garcia is a Democrat from Bridgeport running for the West Virginia House of Delegates District 71. Garcia is a graduate of Fairmont Senior High School and earned an associate degree in business from Fairmont State University. He began his career working at an underground coal mine in Fairview before becoming a class A lineman with Mon Power, a FirstEnergy company. He worked for FirstEnergy for approximately 30 years before retiring and continues to provide annual safety training for employees. Garcia also has experience in local government. He served more than five years on the Fairmont City Council, including two years as deputy mayor, and served on several local boards and commissions. He has been involved with organizations including the United Way, Relay for Life, Lions Club HOPE and the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival. Garcia previously ran for the House in 2020 and 2022. In 2022, he received 41.9% of the vote against Republican Laura Kimble. He won the Democratic primary in 2026 without opposition and will face Republican Tim McNeely in the November general election.

· Ballotpedia (secondary source)

Tim McNeely

Tim McNeely is the Republican candidate for the West Virginia House of Delegates District 71. A West Virginian and Bridgeport resident, McNeely is an attorney, small-business owner and former Fairmont State University athletic director and vice president. He earned his undergraduate degree and law degree from West Virginia University (WVU), where he also played four years of Mountaineer basketball. After law school, McNeely practiced law in Charleston before working for the West Virginia Development Office as general counsel and deputy director. He was involved in statewide economic development efforts and later helped bring the PGA Tour to West Virginia, serving as the first executive director of the Greenbrier Classic. McNeely now works with his wife at McNeely Realty Group and serves as president of the North Central West Virginia Real Estate Information Network and the West Virginia Golf Association.

· Candidate campaign website & Ballotpedia (secondary source)

Campaign site

“West Virginia has the heart and the grit, but we can't settle for "good enough." Our economy must grow beyond yesterday's industries so our kids don't feel they have to leave to find opportunity. We can do better — and we will.” (Tim McNeely Campaign Website)
“Our roads, bridges, and broadband are the backbone of growth. If we want jobs and investment, we need infrastructure that works. Safe, reliable, modern — that's the standard West Virginians deserve.” (Tim McNeely Campaign Website)
“Strong schools mean a strong future. Every child deserves great teachers, safe classrooms, and an education that prepares them for real opportunity. We must invest in our students so they can lead, not just keep up.” (Tim McNeely Campaign Website)