WHEELING, W.Va. — Republican State Sen. Laura Wakim Chapman has secured another term representing West Virginia’s First Senate District after defeating Democratic challenger Shawn Fluharty in Tuesday’s general election.
According to election night results, Chapman received 14,545 votes, while Fluharty finished with 12,737 votes, giving the incumbent a victory by 1,808 votes.
The race drew significant attention throughout the Northern Panhandle as voters decided who would represent Hancock, Brooke, Ohio and Marshall counties in the West Virginia Senate.
Although Fluharty received more votes in Ohio County, Chapman gained enough support in the district’s other three counties to secure the win.
Chapman, who is completing her first term in the Senate, faced Fluharty, a longtime member of the West Virginia House of Delegates who is finishing his sixth term.
Following her victory, Chapman thanked her campaign supporters and emphasized her commitment to remaining accessible to residents throughout the district.
She credited her continued involvement in local communities and responsiveness to constituents as important factors in her re-election.
Looking ahead to her next term, Chapman said she intends to continue advocating for infrastructure improvements, economic development and efforts to address rising utility costs.
She also indicated that several economic development projects she has been involved with could be announced in the coming months.
Chapman has emphasized the importance of ensuring Northern Panhandle communities receive attention from state leaders in Charleston, particularly when it comes to infrastructure investments and economic opportunities.
A constitutional attorney, Chapman is a graduate of West Virginia University and the WVU College of Law. She also attended the former Mount de Chantal Academy in Wheeling.
Her re-election keeps the First Senate District seat in Republican hands as West Virginia lawmakers prepare for the next legislative session in January.
The results reflect election night vote totals and remain subject to the official certification process.
