Marion County’s Joey Garcia set to be one of two Democrats in State Senate

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) — During the 2024 General Election, Democrat Joey Garcia won his race for District 13 in the State Senate, making him one of only two Democrats set to be in the chamber. 12 News sat down with Garcia on Thursday to hear what he plans to do in a mostly Republican Senate.

Garcia previously represented District 76 in the House of Delegates and will now represent District 13 in the Senate, which represents parts of Marion and Monongalia County, after defeating Republican Rebecca Polis.

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Garcia told 12 News he ran on a platform of "stay, rebuild, and succeed" and that he hopes to use the office to build things such as jobs, education, healthcare, and childcare to encourage people to stay in the region. When asked about working in the minority party, Garcia said he will work to represent his constituents as opposed to any party line.

Garcia will be replacing fellow Democrat Mike Caputo, who has been in the state legislature for almost three decades. "He has been to me an inspiration, he's been a mentor, and somebody who always answers constituents' phone calls, stands up for people, and I'm just very proud to try to fill in his big footsteps," Garcia said.