If you’re thinking of throwing your hat into the political ring, it’s time to make up your mind. The deadline for filing for Federal, State and County office is only six days away. Candidates can file up until midnight, January 31st, 2026. Statewide offices including House of Delegates and State Senate must file with the Secretary of State and can do so in person or by mail. If the declaration of candidacy is filed by mail, it must be mailed by January 31st.
According to the Sec. of State’s website, Del. Pat McGeehan (R-1st) is unopposed at this time. State Senator Laura Wakim Chapman (R-1st) will be challenged in the May 12 Primary by Republican Joe Eddy.
Senator Shelly Moore Capito (R-2nd) will be challenged in the Primary by Republicans Alexander Gaaserud of Parkersburg, Janet McNulty of Martinsburg, David Purdy of Fairmont, Tom Willis of Martinsburg. Congressman Riley Moore (R) has no competition filed to date.
Candidates filing on a county level must file at the Elections Office in the Hancock County Courthouse on Court Street in New Cumberland. Candidates may file in person or by mail by midnight, January 31.
As of Thursday, January 22, incumbent County Commissioner Eron Chek (R) has no opponent filed.
Unaffiliated races will include judicial races and board of education races and will be decided in the Primary Election. Three Hancock Magistrates will be elected. Of the seated Magistrates, only Matt Harvey has filed. The other two incumbent magistrates, Omeka Petteway and Steve Svokas, have yet to file.
Jim Anderson has filed for Conservation Supervisor.
The 5-member Hancock County Board of Education has 3 seats up for election: Board President Chris Gillette, Vice President Ed Fields and Jim Horstman. According to Barb Ross of the Election Office, she has had phone calls inquiring about the Board of Education, but no candidate has filed to date.
