House member Joey Garcia, a Democrat, is seeking a state Senate seat on the 2024 ballot.
Garcia announced his campaign for the 13th District on Tuesday in Fairmont.
The seat will be vacated next year by longtime lawmaker Sen. Mike Caputo, D-Marion.
“The most important value we have is that everyone can stay, rebuild and thrive in West Virginia,” said Garcia, who was elected to the House of Representatives in 2020. “There is no greater goal than trying to keep our young people here – we have that. The jobs, the healthcare system and the education make this possible.”
Caputo announced Last week he announced he would not run for re-election in 2024 after spending nearly three decades in the state legislature. He said he would step down to spend time with his family.
He endorsed Garcia at Tuesday’s campaign announcement.
Caputo is one of three Democrats in the state Senate, as Republicans have an absolute majority in the House. Republican candidate Jonathan Board, who lives in Fairmont, last week announced his campaign for Caputo’s seat.
“I will not change who I am as a person or candidate to win a race,” Garcia said. “I am not afraid to speak up my conscience and express and live my values.”
If elected, Garcia’s district would extend beyond Marion County to parts of Monongalia County. His primary focus during his time in office has been serving his constituents, he said, and he plans to work on getting to know voters in Monongalia County before the election.
“I have always been proud of the work of community services and think I will receive more support [in the Senate] and being able to be a stronger voice for the working class in West Virginia,” he said. “I take pride in the fact that when people reach out, I answer the phone.”
Garcia, 40, grew up in Fairmont and attended West Virginia University for his bachelor’s degree and then law school. He and his wife live in Fairmont and his Legal practice The focus is on personal injury, civil rights and criminal law.
“Being able to represent both areas at the same time is a dream I’m pursuing,” he said.
How WVU faces a financial crisisGarcia said that if elected, he would definitely bring these issues to the Senate, which may include eliminating dozens of academic programs and more than 100 faculty positions.
“It’s a really scary time,” he said. “I listen to them and try to help them express their concerns.”
During the last week Special session of the legislative sessionsome Democrats in the House of Representatives introduced a change in the law that would have provided WVU with $45 million in state funds to close the funding gap. Garcia supported the amendment, but it ultimately failed after House Speaker Roger Hanshaw said the amendment was not relevant to one The invoice This will fund Marshall University’s modern cybersecurity center.
This story has been updated to include the following Jonathan Board‘s campaign announcement.
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