West Virginia State Senate District 14

Current seat holder: Jay Taylor (R).

Jason Armentrout

Jason Armentrout was born and raised in West Virginia and graduated from Frankfort High School, where he would one day work as a teacher. He graduated from Potomac State College in 1994. He later got his graduate degree in special education from Fairmont State University in 2011. Armentrout has experience as a special ed teacher and his campaign says that gives him knowledge of the challenges facing schools in West Virginia. He ran for the office of Senator as an independent in 2018. He lost that election to former Senator Charles S. Trump IV. Armentrout’s campaign says he has gotten involved in politics with the goal of helping make West Virginia an affordable place to live and to help address the problems that face working families. He currently serves as President of the Mineral County Democrats. He has dedicated himself to serving the community and wants to help West Virginia improve some of the major issues that the state faces.

· Candidate campaign website & Ballotpedia (secondary source)

Campaign site

“I currently serve as President of the Mineral County Democrats and have been active in community and civic organizations throughout the area. My background in education and coaching has taught me the importance of teamwork, accountability, and investing in the next generation.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey)
“Put Working Families First I'm running to fight for the people who keep West Virginia moving — working families, seniors, teachers, small business owners, and retirees. I believe government should focus on lowering everyday costs, creating opportunity, and helping people build stable lives here at home.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey)
“I will promote smart economic development and strengthening our public schools because those two issues are deeply connected to the future of West Virginia.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey)

Jay Taylor

Jay Taylor is a 53-year-old West Virginian native and served in the United States military from 1990 to 1996. He attended West Virginia University, where he got his bachelor’s degree in 2000. He later returned to West Virginia University and got his master’s degree in 2008. Taylor works as a supervisor for SSC-Delta, where he has worked in his current position since 2016. Taylor was elected to the Senate in 2022. Taylor is currently serving as the Majority Whip in the Senate. Taylor’s campaign says he tries to support legislation that would help to benefit and help veterans and also aims to help increase West Virginians’ access to healthcare.

“Being conservative is my core beliefs that will direct my votes. ProLife, Pro 2nd Amendment, Freedom, Lower Taxes, Right size government, cut red tape are just some of what being conservative means to me. We need to get government doing what it is supposed to be doing well, instead of trying to do everything badly.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey)