James Hendershot

James Hendershot earned a high school diploma from Parkersburg High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from West Virginia University, Parkersburg, in 2025. His career experience includes working in retail.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a born and raised West Virginia from Parkersburg. I have worked in various positions including leadership for a local business. I currently hold a Bachelor's degree from WVUP in Marketing and Management.

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?

People first. I will represent the people of Wood County. Not party agenda's or the Governor's agendaI will not take out of state money. I am the locally backed candidate in the race.I want to build Wood County to be a place our youth can build careers, buy homes, and start families without needing to leave for jobs elsewhere.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Job creation, infrastructure, and personal freedoms.

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

Many figures, but some that are active are those in the house freedom caucus. They stand up for what is right even if the rest of the Republicans might not at times.

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

Honesty, communicative, and able to compromise and work with the rest of the legislature.

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

To serve and vote in the interests of his or her constituents. Including when it may not agree with his or her personal beliefs.

What legacy would you like to leave?

One where I did my absolute to build a better West Virginia for the people and my future children.

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

I was a Dishwasher for The Original Pizza Place while in high school for over a year.

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

To remain calm in the event of argument and disagreement. It is something I have worked hard to improve on. Accepting that not everyone will agree no matter what the subject is.

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

The Governor should work with the legislature while not trying to force their hand to pass bills on his behalf.

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

Data Centers and companies attempting to use up our resources for these Centers.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

It absolutely can be. Some issues such as Data Centers and ALPR camera systems are issues we cannot compromise on. We must ban them ALPR camera systems and repeal or amend HB 2014.

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

The 2008 Financial Crisis was the first to hit my family in my lifetime. While I didn't fully understand it at the time being a young kid. Many problems we still face as a country stem from that crisis.