Big spending in several WV Senate races

By RealWV Staff, 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – With a number of closely-contested elections for West Virginia Senate seats on the ballot this November, campaign finance reports filed last Friday show which candidates have more cash on hand available for the final stretch. 

Senate District 1, Chapman (incumbent) vs Fluharty 

Sen. Laura Chapman, Republican, raised $5,359.87 this month and spent $29,007.51. She has remaining funds that total $20,544.11  

Her opponent, Del. Shawn Fluharty, Democrat, raised $31,262.13 this month and spent $59,348.34. He has remaining funds of $90,827.64 

That leaves Fluharty with a cash advantage of $70,283.53 for the final stretch. However, independent expenditure groups and Political Action Committees (PACs) are spending big against Fluharty and for Chapman, more than making up the personal fundraising difference.

Senate District 13, Oliverio (incumbent) vs Williams

Sen. Mike Oliverio, Republican, raised $32,670 this month and spent $87,369.79. He has remaining funds that total $77,143.11.

His opponent, Del. John Williams, Democrat, raised $7,563.13 this month and spent $56,316.20. He has remaining funds of $44,505.87.

That leaves Oliverio with a cash advantage of $32,637.24 for the final stretch. 

Senate District 17, Charnock (incumbent) vs Robb  

Sen. Anne Charnock, Republican, raised $17,600 this month and spent $47,755.31. She has remaining funds that total $12,249.63. 

Her opponent, Richie Robb, Democrat, raised $4,307.13 and spent $1,795.55. He has remaining funds of $10,713.82

That leaves Charnock with a cash advantage of $1,535.81. 

Senate District 17, Takubo (incumbent) vs Holden

Sen. Tom Takubo, Republican, raised $20,000 this month and spent $55,450.15. He has remaining funds of $13,909.31. Year to date, Takubo has spent nearly half a million in an effort to maintain his Senate seat. 

His opponent, Wes Holden, Democrat, raised $1,832.02 this month and spent $1,846.65. He has remaining funds of $46,906.72.

That leaves Holden with a cash advantage of $32,997.41 for the final stretch. 

Final reports for the last stretch of the 2026 general election are not due until January 2027. The General Election will be held on November 3, 2026. Randy Smith is the current President of the Senate, though several candidates have indicated they may vie for his seat depending on who emerges victorious in each district.