Lucia Valentine
Lucia Valentine, 29, is a West Virginia native, advocate, and public policy professional. She is a legislative advocate for the West Virginia Environmental Council, works with Conserve West Virginia on public lands and water protection. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Shepherd University in 2019 and serves as the managing director for the West Virginia Women’s Alliance. Her public policy efforts have focused on water quality throughout the state. She also holds an emphasis on keeping West Virginians, especially younger people, in the state. Her campaign has been focused on school funding, wage adjustments, preservation of farmland and affordability. She has also received endorsements from West Virginia AFL-CIO, the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), the IUPAT, and the WV Building and Construction Trades.
· Candidate campaign website & Ballotpedia (secondary source)
Campaign site
“I bring extensive experience advocating at both the West Virginia State Capitol and in Congress, where I have helped pass policies that protect the health, safety, and well-being of ALL West Virginians. My work spans a wide range of issues, from clean water to child care. Known for my ability to collaborate across party lines, I consistently delivers practical results that make a real difference in people's lives.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey) “Keeping More of What You Earn An oversized budget surplus isn't a sign of success- it means taxpayers paid more than they should have. We must reform our tax system to return more of those dollars to the Eastern Panhandle, prioritizing working families over corporations and reinvesting in the communities where that money was earned- especially as households struggle with high cost of living.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey) “I am a passionate advocate for the people of the 97th District in Jefferson and Berkeley Counties. As a lifelong resident of the Eastern Panhandle, I understand the unique challenges facing our communities and I'm committed to finding solutions that work for everyone, regardless of party.”
(Lucia Valentine Campaign Website)S. Chris Anders
Mathew Anderson has worked for the last 13 years as a special education teacher and is also a small business owner. Anderson says he feels the West Virginia Legislature should be doing more to ensure ordinary people in West Virginia feel supported by the government. To gain support, Anderson has been attending local events, going door-to-door and talking with members of the community. Anderson says his priorities include clean water and helping to make healthcare affordable for West Virginians. Anderson ran unopposed in the primary and will face Constitution Party candidate Stacey Hensley and Independent candidate Tom Louisos in the general election on Nov. 3. S. Chris Anders appears on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot for West Virginia House of Delegates District 97.
Campaign site
“I am a constitutional conservative with a lifetime score of 100% voting in line with the Constitution and the rights of the people it protects. I am the Chair of the Freedom Caucus and will always fight for economic and person freedom.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey) “Defending life, liberty and property as the Founders intended. Stopping the cronyism and corruption that is rampant at every level of government I am a principle over party representative. I did not pledge an oath to a party or a person, but rather the Law of the land, the Constitution.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey) “I'm a Christian, constitutional conservative with nearly two decades of experience working in grassroots politics fighting for the 2nd amendment, to protect the unborn and to reduce the size and scope of government.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey)