Christopher Claypole

Christopher Claypole (Democratic Party) is running for election to the West Virginia State Senate to represent District 2. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. He advanced from the Democratic primary on May 12, 2026.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am originally from Monongalia County where I attended public schools after which I attended West Virginia University and studied Sociology before joining the workforce. I have a mixed work history that includes commissioned sales, working with at risk youth, and working in mental health where I am currently employed. I have been with WVUMedicine for 6 years and counting.

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?

We are in dire need to address education in our state. Emphasis needs to be placed on improving public education by offering our teachers better support, better pay/benefits, and better working conditions. Curbing the loss of quality educators to other states and professions is needed as well. Making sure that adequate funding stays with public education is necessary to improve our system, and decentralizing curriculum control so that teachers can tailor their lessons to meet the students’ needs is also badly needed. Proper management of standards without micromanaging will improve overall morale.Healthcare in our state is also in need of addressing. PEIA needs repaired so that our employees can afford to live and have health coverage, state facilities need to remain in state ownership for stability/accessibility, prescription costs need to be addressed, the out of pocket expenses that citizens face also needs to come under control. West Virginians should not be facing financial ruin for wanting to be in good health.Our antiquated infrastructure throughout the state needs to be updated, expanded, and maintained regularly. Regulations for weight limits need to be actually enforced on a regular basis. Our water/sewage systems need to be repaired to the point of guaranteeing not only dependable service, but clean, safe to consume, water. The electric grids need to be updated and upgraded so that outages will be less frequent and shorter in duration. Far too many homes cannot rely on the power grid when even the slightest storm passes through. Also, our communications network needs attention. Phone and internet systems are vital to the advancement of our citizen’s lives, and in many places they are inaccessible or unusable due to antiquation.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am personally interested in the equality of education, equality of all West Virginians, raising the minimum wage to provide better opportunity, and expanding support for groups such as our Veterans.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My grandfather Eugene. While not perfect he was able to show me the power of good intentions, and wanting to help people because it is just the right thing to do. Many of life’s lessons I learned from him.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Being available to those that they represent is one of the key characteristics of anyone in office. Understanding what everyday problems look like for the average West Virginian, and how they go about addressing them is also vital. Showing up throughout the entire year, for both good and bad situations, instead of just at election time or photo opportunities. Overall, an elected official should be a person from the people leading from within and not someone wanting to be above anyone.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Core responsibilities would include:

The drafting and passing of legislation

Representing the area that they were elected from by continually looking out for their constituents best interests

Being a source of reliable information to the people

Being a willing listener to their constituents when problems arise

What legacy would you like to leave?

While it would be nice to be remembered, it would be better in my opinion to just help the people you can and not worry about legacy.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

My first memory of an historical event was the Challenger explosion. I was in grade school and we were gathered together to watch the launch. Once the explosion happened the TV was turned off and we were ushered back to our classrooms.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first paycheck came from the WV State Senate. I was paid for one hour of work as a page. Being a page was my first experience with state government and I learned everything I could about it as a young teen.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I can’t narrow down a favorite but I do enjoy a good horror book, non-fiction historical, and even the select sci-fi.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

The kid in me would still love to be James Bond

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Happiness is fleeting and elusive. Take what moments you can have and enjoy them while they last.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The ideal relationship would be being able to work hand in hand to promote public wellbeing and serving the interests of the people of the state. Our job is to make lives better for those wanting to live here.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

The next decade will face more decline unless we address our infrastructure, our education systems, our public support programs, and shrinking healthcare options. We need to make our state enticing for people to be here by providing a place for good employment, healthcare, education, and overall living.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Understanding of how the legislative process works is a plus, but having the determination to help others is more important than ever.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

The legislative houses should try to find common grounds on issues in order to successfully work together. The only way the people will benefit from the work accomplished is if it is done on a united front.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I would love to model myself off of the honesty, integrity, and willingness to help that Eugene Claypole demonstrated during his time in leadership roles.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Who knows what the future will hold.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

The story of someone losing their spouse due to contaminated water. The service that they paid for and trusted let them down in an unspeakable way.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

In short, Yes. The decision should not be in the hands of one, our past situations show that one person’s delay to act holds up the legislature from being able to do their jobs. It should be a decision by the legislature upon their receipt of advisement from experts in the field affected

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

If elected I would look immediately into regulations and requirements within the Hope voucher program. The lack of guidance in the program has and will continue to lead to wasteful spending. The funding saved from regulating it could then be placed into bolstering public education.

Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?

I feel it would be good. Certain topics should be voted upon by the masses in order to promote the common good. In particular if it is a socially based initiative we should include the will of the people and not just their elected representatives.

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

There is a particular story I was told about a voter’s spouse. I wont easily forget it and I can’t share it out of respect for their privacy.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

Remembering many of the technical lessons taught to me on self reliance

What legislation would you enact related to election administration in your state?

Administration of elections should remain local. I would want to ensure that is where it stays. Our local officials have done a fantastic job with administering our state’s elections. They should retain that authority. Also, I would want to make voting more accessible for those that cannot make it to the polls on Election Day. People should have every opportunity to easily vote without restrictions.