A fair shot. A chance for growth. A reason to stay.
That’s what Beth Hinebaugh believes the people in the 5th House District in Ohio County want most right now for their children and for the future of the city of Wheeling. That’s why the Republican is centered on solutions for workforce development, growth and retention, the economy, childcare, and much more.
She insists it’s about making sense.
A new bridge for safety’s sake? Yup. Support small business owners? Well, she is one after all.
Support teachers, first responders, and every entity that serves, protects, and nurtures the residents in District 5? All are no-brainer issues.
What about keeping the young in the state? Because it’s well known West Virginia has lost thousands of residents over the past couple of decades – some refer to it as the “Brain Drain” – and Hinebaugh is anxious to work on reversing that trend because her two youngest children are now at THAT age when most high school grads decide to stay or go.
She was a mayoral candidate in Wheeling just two years ago, and she’s a member of Ohio County’s Republican Executive Committee, and that’s because Hinebaugh feels now is the time to help guide District 5’s most critical decisions.
That’s why she believes relationships matter, and she’s quite aware people are paying attention.
What do you appreciate most about the people of District 5?
What I appreciate most about the people of District 5 is their heart and their resilience.
This is a community that shows up for each other. Whether it’s supporting a local fundraiser, helping a neighbor after a flood, or just checking in on someone who needs it—you see it every day here.
We’re hardworking people. Many families are juggling multiple jobs, raising kids, caring for loved ones, and still finding time to give back. That says a lot about who we are.
There’s also a strong sense of pride in where we come from. People here want to see Wheeling and the surrounding communities grow and succeed—not just for themselves, but for the next generation.
That’s something I connect with deeply. I’ve lived it—as a small business owner, a childcare provider, and someone who has worked in public service.
The people here deserve leadership that works just as hard as they do.
Why have you decided now is the right time for you to run for elected office?
This decision didn’t happen overnight—it’s been building for years.
Through my work as a childcare provider, small business owner, and my background in public service, I’ve seen where things are working and where they’re falling short. I’ve also spent time in Charleston advocating for childcare, and that experience really opened my eyes to how much more needs to be done.
I’ve watched families struggle to find reliable childcare, businesses struggle to find workers, and communities trying to grow without the infrastructure they need. Those issues are all connected—and they’re not getting solved fast enough.
I reached a point where I felt like I could either keep talking about the problems, or step up and be part of the solution.
I’m not running because I have all the answers—but I do have real-world experience, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to listen and work with others to get things done.
Right now feels like the right time because our communities can’t afford to wait.
If your campaign had a theme song, what would it be? Why that tune?
If I had to pick a theme song, it would be “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts.
That song is about wanting better opportunities, a brighter future, and meaningful lives for the people you care about—and that’s exactly why I’m running.
When I think about District 5, I think about families who just want a fair shot. Parents who want to work and provide for their kids. Small business owners who want to grow. Young people who want a reason to stay here and build their lives.
This campaign isn’t about politics for me—it’s about people. It’s about making sure our communities have what they need to thrive.
That song captures that sense of hope and responsibility for building something better.
Do you believe the state should construct a new bridge from downtown Wheeling to Wheeling Island? Why or why not?
I believe this is something our community wants and, more importantly, something we need to seriously consider from a public safety standpoint.
Right now, Wheeling Island essentially has one primary way on and one way off. In an emergency—whether it’s a medical situation, a fire, or flooding—that creates real concerns. It can increase response times for first responders and delay access to hospitals, which is something no community should have to worry about.
We also have the historic Wheeling Suspension Bridge that has now been permanently converted to a pedestrian-only bridge, meaning it’s no longer an option for vehicle traffic. That makes access even more limited and highlights the need to look at long-term solutions.
At the same time, a project like a new bridge is a major investment, so it has to be approached responsibly. We need to look at cost, long-term impact, and how it fits into our broader infrastructure needs.
For me, this comes down to balance. We need to prioritize safety and accessibility while also being good stewards of taxpayer dollars.
If a new bridge can improve emergency response, support our community, and make sense financially, then it’s absolutely something worth moving forward.
What do you believe people want most from their state representatives?
I think, more than anything, people want someone who is present, honest, and willing to listen.
They want to feel like their concerns actually matter—and that their representative understands what their day-to-day life looks like.
People are tired of politics that feels disconnected from reality. They want someone who shows up in the community, answers their calls, and follows through on what they say they’ll do.
They also want results. Not promises—results. Whether it’s improving infrastructure, supporting small businesses, or addressing issues like childcare and workforce shortages, people want to see progress.
And I think they want someone who can work with others to get things done. Not everything has to be a fight. If we can’t have conversations and find common ground, nothing moves forward.
At the end of the day, people want to trust the person representing them—and know that person is working for them.
(Paid for by the Committee to Elect Hinebaugh)
