Christopher Claypole
Christopher Claypole (Democratic) is a 2026 candidate for the West Virginia State Senate representing District 2 (Doddridge, Marion, Marshall, Monongalia, Tyler, Wetzel Counties) on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot.
· Candidate campaign website & Ballotpedia (secondary source)
Campaign site
“I am originally from Monongalia County where I attended public schools after which I attended West Virginia University and studied Sociology before joining the workforce. I have a mixed work history that includes commissioned sales, working with at risk youth, and working in mental health where I am currently employed. I have been with WVUMedicine for 6 years and counting.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey) “We are in dire need to address education in our state. Emphasis needs to be placed on improving public education by offering our teachers better support, better pay/benefits, and better working conditions. Curbing the loss of quality educators to other states and professions is needed as well. Making sure that adequate funding stays with public education is necessary to improve our system, and decentralizing curriculum control so that teachers can tailor their lessons to meet the students' needs is also badly needed. Proper management of standards without micromanaging will improve overall morale.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey) “I am personally interested in the equality of education, equality of all West Virginians, raising the minimum wage to provide better opportunity, and expanding support for groups such as our Veterans.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey)Toby Heaney
Toby Heaney is the Republican candidate for West Virginia State Senate District 2. He is a Fairview resident in Marion County. Heaney is a U.S. Army veteran who served 24 years in the West Virginia National Guard. He retired as a Sergeant First Cclass. His also worked with the Fairmont Community Development Partnership as a Financial Administrator Assistant from 2021-2022 as well as a teaching assistant at West Virginia University. Heaney previously served as president of the Marion County Veterans Council as well as the District 1 Commander for the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Fairmont State in Finance in 2009, an MBA from the University of Charleston in 2019, his masters degree in Economics from West Virginia University in 2023, and completed his Ph.D in Economics from West Virginia University in 2026. In 2022 and 2024, he ran for West Virginia House of Delegates District 76. His campaign says he supports promoting fiscal responsibility, driving statewide economic growth, fighting for in-state tuition for veterans, lowering taxes, and opposing bills that restrict the 2nd amendment.
· Candidate campaign website & Ballotpedia (secondary source)
Campaign site
“I am a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Retired from the WV Army National Guard after 24 years. I have my bachelors degree in finance from Fairmont State University, my masters in business administration from the University of Charleston, and am a current PhD student in economics at West Virginia University.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey) “My main focus will be in ways to improve the economy of West Virginia. I feel that we have a lot of untapped potential, as a state. I would like to release that potential.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey) “Greetings fellow West Virginians! It is with immense pride and a profound sense of duty that I extend a warm welcome. A product of this resilient state, I bring a blend of academic rigor with degrees in finance, business administration, and economics. As a retired Army combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, I deeply comprehend the significance of discipline, commitment, and service.”
(Toby Heaney Campaign Website)