CHARLES TOWN — In a closely contested race, West Virginia Incumbent Patricia Rucker emerged victorious in the 16th District, defeating former Del. Paul Espinosa.
The race, which covered parts of Jefferson and Berkeley Counties, saw Sen. Rucker secure 51% of the vote, amounting to 5,158 votes. Del. Espinosa garnered 49% of the vote, with a total of 4,928 votes.
Sen. Rucker was first elected to the 16th District seat in 2016.
Since then, she has been an active member of the West Virginia Senate, serving on committees such as the Senate Health and Human Resources Committee and the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Additionally, she is a member of the Senate Outdoor Recreation Committee and chairs the School Choice Committee, reflecting her commitment to educational reform and outdoor recreational initiatives.
Throughout her political career, Rucker has been a vocal advocate for parental rights in education, school choice, and limited government. These positions have garnered her endorsements from numerous conservative and family-based organizations, including the WV Citizen Defense League, and the West Virginians for Life Political Action Committee, among others.
Her campaign focused on continuing her work to improve the state’s education system, advocating for better healthcare access, and promoting economic development in the region.
Sen. Rucker has expressed her gratitude to the voters and commitment to addressing issues that matter most to her district.
Rucker is set to face John Doyle, the Democratic nominee, in the upcoming November 5th election.