WV State Senate District 1 race is one of the most competitive

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WOWK) — One of many West Virginia State Senate major election races this 12 months pits two well-known Democrats from the Northern Panhandle in opposition to one another.

State Senator Owens Brown, (D) Ohio County, was appointed to his seat final September by West Virginia Governor Jim Justice, due to a emptiness. Brown says his prime priorities are social points equivalent to decreasing the prices of pharmaceuticals like insulin, and extra funding for foster care.

“West Virginia has at all times been enterprise pleasant. It’s time that we’re folks pleasant. And these factor have an effect on the lives of individuals, make their lives higher. And I believe we must always do extra issues like that and actually assist folks survive from everyday,” mentioned Brown.

Brown is being challenged by former Delegate Randy Swartzmiller (D), who served 16 years within the Home of Delegates. His precedence is the $6 billion {dollars} West Virginia will obtain from the federal infrastructure legislation.

“I consider we have to have any person in Charleston, who at the least is aware of who the gamers are, and the connections, in addition to who the persons are again residence, in authorities. So we are able to guarantee that we get them collectively and create a pathway to carry these {dollars} again to the Northern Panhandle,” mentioned Swartzmiller.

This race is among the many greatest Democrat primaries within the state and options West Virginia’s first African-American male senator.

“The curiosity of the those who could be missed within the minority communities, could be missed. And there are particular issues that I consider, we’re extra, I’m extra people-friendly,” mentioned Brown.

“Kudos to Senator Brown, and it’s a disgrace that it took this lengthy for that to occur. However with that, I imply as soon as once more, I believe persons are on the lookout for expertise,” mentioned Swartzmiller.

That is the one Senate race in West Virginia this 12 months the place an incumbent Democrat is going through a major problem.

There are additionally two Republicans operating within the District 1 major. The winner of that race will face the prevailing Democrat in November.