West Virginia Sen. Mike Azinger, R-Wood, speaks at a Dec. 17 event announcing his bid for reelection at the Blennerhassett Hotel in Parkersburg. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — State Sen. Mike Azinger recently announced plans to run for a new term.

Azinger, 60, of Vienna, represents Senate District 3, which includes Wood, Wirt, Pleasants and Ritchie counties. He was elected to complete an unexpired term in 2016, then reelected to full terms in 2018 and 2022.

“Running for another term came somewhat naturally,” he said Monday. “There are things that are in motion already that are very exciting such as finishing the elimination of the personal income tax.”

Azinger said he would like to see West Virginia become the 10th state with no personal income tax, as they “tend to attract wealth and population.” The rate has been cut by 24% in recent years, he said, and the state needs to get to at least 50% “to start seeing results.”

Azinger said he wants the state to pursue data centers with more vigor, in hopes of landing such highly-sought-after projects soon.

West Virginia Senate President Randy Smith, R-Preston, spoke at a Dec. 17 event announcing the reelection bid of Sen. Mike Azinger, R-Wood, at the Blennerhassett Hotel in Parkersburg. (Photo Provided)

“It is also, most importantly, my goal to introduce bills that will bring God more into the classroom and more into the culture,” he said. “I have a number of such bills in consideration.”

Azinger cited his 11 years in the Legislature, both the House and the Senate, and the example set by his father, the late Tom Azinger, over 22 years in the House of Delegates as experience he brings to the table. He’s worked in insurance, storage facilities and radio, as well as serving on the staff of a large church in Indiana.

“I also am a family man having been married to my beautiful wife for 25 years, and we share three wonderful children together of whom we are quite proud,” he said.

Azinger announced his run on Dec. 17 at the Blennerhassett Hotel. West Virginia Senate President Randy Smith, R-Preston, was among those in attendance.

Del. Bob Fehrenbacher, R-Wood, announced in August he would be running for the seat as well.

The filing period for the 2026 election runs from Jan. 12-31. The primary will be held on May 5.

Evan Bevins can be reached at ebevins@newsandsentinel.com