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andidate filings for the May 12 primary election ended on January 31. A total of 52 candidates registered for positions in Charleston, vying for offices ranging from mayor to city council.

On May 12, voters will select nominees based on their party affiliation. For instance, a person registered as a Democrat will vote in races where there is at least one Democratic candidate, as well as in nonpartisan races.

This year, independent voters can choose to vote on a Democrat ballot in the primary election, but the West Virginia Republican Party executive committee chose to ban independents from voting on a Republican ballot.

Primary face-offs for Charleston offices

Voters in Charleston will need to choose from several candidates to represent their party in the November general election.

Incumbent Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin will face Martec “Tec” Washington on May 12 for the Democratic nomination for mayor. The winner will face the Republican candidate in November's election.

This is not the first face-off between Goodwin and Washington. The two last vied for the mayor nomination in 2022. Goodwin defeated Washington with 77 percent of the votes in that election.

Ten Democrats are vying for the six Council At-Large nominations on the May 12 ballot. Incumbent at-large council members Caitlin Cook, Emmett Pepper, Jennifer Pharr, Joe Solomon and Shawn Taylor are all attempting reelection, while current Ward 14 representative Patrick Salango seeks to become an at-large member. Newcomers Linda Bodie, Jason Gibson, Gina Grigoraci and Kitty Lindsday are also seeking at-large nominations.

Multiple Democrats are also seeking nominations for council member positions in Ward 2, Ward 7, Ward 9, Ward 10, Ward 11 and Ward 14.

Candidates now have until Feb. 17 to voluntarily withdraw before applicants are formally certified and placed on ballots.

The following candidates registered for Charleston's primary election before the January 31 deadline. (Click on the triangles below to expand sections to see candidates.)

Interactive by: Michael Ramsburg | Last updated: Feb. 18, 2026

Note: Clicking a candidate's name will take you to their official campaign page (website, social media, etc.). Some candidates did not provide links at the time of this writing. If you are a candidate and would like a link added or changed, please email ramsburgreports@gmail.com.