C. D. Caldwell

C. D. Caldwell (Republican Party) is running for election to the West Virginia House of Delegates to represent District 21. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. He advanced from the Republican primary on May 12, 2026.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Carl Dean “CD” Caldwell II is a Hurricane native, education leader, and candidate for West Virginia’s 21st House district. He is Director of Career & Technical Education and Principal of the Putnam County Career & Technical Center, President of the Putnam County Development Authority, a Hurricane City Council member, and serves on the Hurricane Fire & Water Board. A 1992 Hurricane High graduate, he holds a B.S. in social studies education from West Virginia State University and a graduate degree in Leadership Studies from Marshall University. CD and his wife Leann, a Putnam County Schools psychologist, have three children. His campaign centers on workforce development and career and technical education: expanding access to CTE, dual credit, internships and registered apprenticeships, and ensuring every senior is Employed, Enrolled, or Enlisted. He emphasizes aligning training with employer needs to retain talent, attract family-sustaining jobs, and strengthen local infrastructure and student supports so Putnam County families can prosper.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

The 21st District is at a critical moment as new manufacturers move into our region, bringing growth but also major infrastructure challenges. Increased housing and traffic demand stronger planning and investment. Many of our roads are already in unacceptable condition, and adding more strain without action will only worsen safety and congestion. Our community deserves reliable roads, improved traffic flow, and long‑term infrastructure solutions—not endless patches. It’s time for a strong voice to advocate for the improvements the 21st District urgently needs.Young adults in our region are missing out on essential skills needed for the expanding manufacturing base. While community colleges play an important role, many individuals seeking employment do not need a full associate degree. They need hands‑on training that leads directly to industry‑recognized certifications. Career and Technical Education centers across the state often sit unused in the evenings. By building strong partnerships between business, industry, and our CTE centers, we can create real pathways to high‑quality careers and give young adults the opportunities they deserve.Putnam County is often seen as the crown jewel of West Virginia, with strong schools and thriving communities. But even here in the 21st District, many young people face serious challenges that often go unseen. Numerous students are being raised by grandparents, foster families, or are experiencing homelessness. These situations create barriers that can trap them in cycles of hardship. We need stronger support systems to ensure every child has a chance to succeed. Breaking these cycles is essential for the future of our county and for West Virginia as a whole.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

West Virginia’s infrastructure demands urgent attention, with a widespread population and thousands of miles of roads that are increasingly difficult to maintain. The 21st District needs stronger advocacy to ensure safe, reliable transportation. At the same time, unemployment among 18–24‑year‑olds remains high, showing the need for expanded regional training, hands‑on certification programs, and partnerships that help young adults build stable careers. Many students from non‑traditional families also need continued support beyond graduation so they don’t fall through the cracks. Strengthening these systems is essential for the future of our communities.