Dear Neighbor,
My name is Mandy Weirich, and I am running for the West Virginia State Delegate in District 67. I am a social worker, an educator, a former police officer, a caregiver, the wife of a Veteran, a mother, and a proud daughter of Appalachia. I am running because working people are struggling hard for stability and security. For decades, lawmakers in Charleston have disinvested in our communities. I have spent my life here, working for and with my neighbors, and I believe we deserve a delegate who will always serve our communities, not corporate interests.
My Letter To Our Community
My Story: A Daughter of Appalachia
My story is not unique; it is a mirror to every working person in our community. I was born here, and though my dad’s manufacturing job meant we moved a lot, I was always proud to be from West Virginia and longed for home. I grew up on stories of my grandfathers as Union leaders in the mines and on the railroad, and I also watched my parents struggle to provide a roof overhead and food on the table. My own path has taken me from being a beat cop to an Adult Protective Service worker, and now to a Service Assistant Professor at WVU. Through it all, I've seen how security and stability are always just out of reach for working families. That's why I returned to West Virginia over 20 years ago to raise my family, and it’s why I am so committed to fighting for a better future for all of us.
My Priorities: A People-First West Virginia
My experiences have shown me that we need real solutions from serious working people, not more politicians wasting time on unserious bills. Here is how I will fight for our district in Charleston:
Protecting Our Community's Health
Everyone deserves access to affordable healthcare. Your zip code shouldn’t determine the care you receive. For years, we’ve heard lawmakers talk about saving PEIA, but premiums are rising faster than wages. We must stabilize PEIA, improve access to critical OB/GYN care in our communities, and keep our strong vaccine laws to protect our children and grandparents.
While I fight for affordable healthcare, my opponent works for a firm that defends the insurance companies that deny West Virginians' claim - the same special interests that politicians like Elias Coop-Gonzalez protected.
Fighting for Economic Opportunity
We need an economy that works for young families, our workforce, and our aging population. That means reversing so-called 'right to work' laws that have stripped workers of their power. Strong unions mean a strong workforce. We must invest in childcare, infrastructure, and broadband to empower local businesses and create affordable workforce housing to keep our young people here and draw new families to our state.
I am focused on supporting our local businesses. My opponent's firm, like Coop's agenda, works for big, out-of-state corporations and Wall Street banks that put profits ahead of West Virginia workers.
Mandy Works for West Virginia; Not Corporations
This election is a clear choice. It’s a choice between a dedicated community advocate who has always been on our side and another corporate lawyer hand-picked to continue the same tired agenda. My opponent is a continuation of the policies of Elias Coop-Gonzalez—policies that help the wealthy and well-connected at our expense. His law firm profits from defending the very corporations that hurt West Virginia families. Every issue, from healthcare costs to job security, comes down to one question: who do you trust to fight for you?
Standing Up for West Virginians
Charleston does not have dominion over our local communities; the people still govern our state. Last year, politicians stripped away local control in the interest of large data centers that use our land and water and raise our energy prices. I believe companies that want to do business here must be transparent and work directly with our communities. I will always fight to make sure the voices of our community members are heard.
I listen to the people of our district. My opponent’s firm is paid to protect powerful corporate interests - the same forces that benefited from Coop's policies.
I was not recruited to run for office; I was motivated by a lifelong commitment to public service. The supermajority's policies of the last decade, championed by politicians like Coop and continued by candidates like Mallow, are not working for West Virginia. They have retaliated against our teachers and stripped freedoms from our people. I don’t want our kids to have to move away for better opportunities. I want them to be able to stay here and build their lives.
With your help, we can move West Virginia forward to a better and brighter future. I hope this letter conveys my commitment to you and what is at stake in this election. I would be honored to have your vote.
