GRAFTON, W.V. (WVDN) – Jay Taylor, Majority Whip of the West Virginia State Senate, announced his campaign for reelection, citing a strong conservative record of “results, proven leadership, and a commitment to rural West Virginia.”
“It has been an honor to serve the people of our district and to fight every day for conservative values and common sense,” Taylor said. “We’ve delivered real results for West Virginians, strengthened conservative leadership at the Capitol, and protected our rural communities — but there is still important work ahead.”
As Majority Whip, Taylor has played a key role in shaping Senate leadership and advancing a conservative agenda. He helped build the support necessary for Randy Smith, a former coal miner, to become President of the West Virginia Senate — ensuring the chamber is led by someone who understands hard work, expanding good paying jobs, and West Virginia values.
“Our leadership team reflects the people we represent,” Taylor said. “Randy Smith’s story is West Virginia’s story, and I was proud to help ensure our Senate leadership reflects that.”
Taylor also emphasized the strong working relationship between Senate leadership and Governor Patrick Morrisey, noting that cooperation has been key to advancing conservative priorities.
“When Republicans work together, West Virginia wins,” Taylor said. “The Senate leadership team and Governor Morrisey have worked closely to move conservative policies forward, protect taxpayers, and push back against federal overreach.”
During his time in the Senate, Taylor has sponsored and passed legislation that expands access to health care while reportedly reducing unnecessary regulation. He passed legislation modernizing West Virginia’s optometry laws, cutting red tape and improving access to eye care — particularly in rural areas. Taylor also helped pass the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) scope-of-practice bill, allowing nurse anesthetists to practice to the full extent of their training and expanding access to safe, affordable anesthesia services across the state.
A strong advocate for rural schools, Taylor has consistently opposed forced school consolidation and excessively long bus rides for students, arguing that education decisions should remain with parents and local communities — not top-down bureaucracies.
“Our kids shouldn’t spend hours a day on a bus, and our rural towns shouldn’t lose their schools because of one-size-fits-all mandates,” Taylor said. “Strong local schools are essential to strong communities.”
Taylor said his reelection campaign will focus on defending rural schools, strengthening access to health care, protecting taxpayers, supporting law enforcement, and ensuring government remains accountable and limited.
“I’m running for reelection because West Virginia is worth fighting for,” Taylor said. “I will continue to stand up for our values, our communities, and the people who sent me to Charleston.”
To mark the campaign announcement, Taylor has helped organize a Town Hall on Jan. 7 at 6:30 p.m. at the Grafton City Council Chambers. This event will be hosted by the Taylor County GOP Executive Committee and moderated by Chairman Fred Guidi. All Statewide elected officials have been invited to attend and to outline their plans for the upcoming legislative session.
