MORGANTOWN — Republican state Senators in the 2nd and 14th district both appeared to have won re-election over their Democratic challengers on Tuesday.
In the 14th, which includes Preston County and part of Monongalia, Sen. Dave Sypolt was leading challenger Stephanie Zucker, with 20,243 votes (60 percent) to Zucker’s 13,583, with 99 of 109 precincts reporting.
Sypolt said, “I’m excited about winning the race this year. My opponent worked very hard but there’s a lot of contrast between us. I put myself out there as who I am.”
He’s served 12 years so far, he said. “I haven’t changed. … I appreciate everything that the voters have done for me and I try to reciprocate to them.”
Zucker couldn’t be reached for comment.
In the 2nd District, which includes about half of Mon and Marion counties, Sen. Charles Clements defeated challenger and neighbor Denny Longwell.
Clements tallied 19,090 votes (58 percent) to Longwell’s 13,655 (42 percent) with 132 of 138 precincts reporting.
Longwell said, “I’m disappointed. The fact is life hasn’t stopped because I lost. The citizens have spoken and I’m OK with that. That’s what this country is about is fair elections.”
He and Clements have diametrically opposing views and Clements won, he said. “I commend him for that.”
Clements could not be reached for comment.
Results are unofficial pending canvassing.
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