MORGANTOWN — Republican Rebecca Polis, of Fairmont, will face Democrat Delegate Mike Caputo, of Rivesville, in November for the open 13th District Senate seat representing the Interstate 68-79 corridor of Monongalia and Marion counties.
Both candidates for the 14th District Senate seat were unopposed. Incumbent Randy Smith, R-Tucker, of Thomas, will face Democrat David Childers, of Wardensville.
In the 13th, Polis defeated John Provins, also of Fairmont, in the GOP primary, 4,197 votes (57.9%) to Provins’ 3,052 votes (42.1%). Caputo was unopposed in the Democratic primary. Totals are unofficial pending canvassing.
Polis tallied 1,997 votes to Provins’ 1,844 in Marion County, and 2,200 votes to Provins’ 1,208 in Mon.
Senate Minority Leader Roman Prezioso, D-Marion, is retiring, leaving the seat open. Caputo was first elected to the House in 1996 and will have served 12 full terms through 2020. He served as majority whip under Speakers Rick Thompson and Tim Miley, and has been minority whip since the GOP took over in 2015.
Polis said, “I’m really excited about the victory and I thank everybody for all of their support.” She wishes for a clean general election campaign that focuses on the issues that are best for the people of West Virginia.
Asked about her strategy against a longtime House incumbent, she said, “I’m fresh and hardworking and have a great team, and I believe we can win. I believe West Virginians are looking for values that will make our state great and a great place for families.”
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