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PARKERSBURG – Long-time Wood County Commissioner Robert Tebay has announced he will not seek another term on commission while Wood County Sheriff Rick Woodyard has announced his intention to run for the six-year commission term in 2026.

Both men announced their intentions Thursday morning at the Wood County Courthouse.

Tebay, who has served on the commission for many years, said he has decided not to run again due to his age as he is in his early 90s.

“I’m not going to run again,” he said. “I am going to finish out my term.”

The Republican stalwart was originally elected in 1996 and served for 12 years before losing to Democrat Wayne Dunn in 2008. Tebay came back and won his seat again in 2014 defeating Dunn and has served on the commission since.

“I have enjoyed all of my time on the county commission,” he said. “I hope I have filled my responsibilities as a commissioner well.”

Tebay points to his time serving on the Wood County Airport Authority as a highlight as steps are being taken that will hopefully bring economic development to the airport as well as jobs and more.

As Tebay is planning to finish out his term of the commission, Woodyard announced his intention to run for Tebay’s seat, having filed his pre-candidacy paperwork with the Wood County Clerk’s Office on Thursday morning.

“After much reflection, thought, and conversations with my family, friends, and members of our community, I have decided to announce my intention to run for Wood County Commission,” Woodyard said. “A significant factor in my decision came after speaking with Commissioner Bob Tebay, who shared that he does not plan to seek re-election.

“In that conversation, he encouraged me to run and offered his support– standing with me today as I pre-registered. I appreciate his years of service and his confidence in my ability to continue working for the people of Wood County.”

Tebay affirmed he is endorsing Woodyard’s run for the seat, saying Woodyard has done a good job in all the various roles he has held over the years in law enforcement and as the 911 director.

“I believe he is very capable of doing the job well,” he said. “He is interested in the county and really loves the county.

“It has been part of his life. Rick is well acquainted with the public and the people who live in Wood County. He knows the territory like the back of his hand.”

Commission President Blair Couch said Woodyard has excelled in positions he was appointed to, including 911 Director for a number of years and as Wood County Sheriff when former Sheriff Steve Stephens retired with Woodyard going on to be elected to a full term.

“He communicates well with the commission,” Couch said. “If he is elected to that seat, I think he will serve the county well. He is very personable and would be a good fit.”

Couch said Woodyard has won elections and has the support of a lot of people in the area.

“We want to thank Bob for his years of dedicated service to the county,” Couch said. “Job well done.”

Woodyard is limited to two consecutive terms with him finishing out Stephens’ original term and being elected to a full term.

“As I enter my second and final term as Sheriff, I still have a strong desire to serve this community,” he said. “The role of sheriff is centered on public safety, and the challenges and opportunities facing Wood County today go far beyond law enforcement. The County Commission is where the broader, long-term decisions are made about our future.”

Woodyard pointed to his experience in managing budgets, solved complex problems and worked closely with local and state agencies.

“I’ve seen first-hand how county decisions impact families, businesses, first responders and our neighborhoods,” he said. “Serving as commissioner would allow me to apply that experience on a wider scale – helping guide Wood County’s direction in areas like infrastructure, economic development, quality of life, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.”

Woodyard said he believes he can offer steady leadership with real-world experience and a commitment to building a stronger, safer and a more prosperous future.

“I’m running because Wood County is my home,” Woodyard said. “It’s where I’m raising my family, and like everyone else, I want the very best for them and for all who live here.

“Serving on the commission gives me the opportunity to continue working for the people of Wood County in a meaningful and effective way.”

Republican Delegate Dave Foggin recently announced his intention to run for the seat on the Wood County Commission. However, having talked with Woodyard, Foggin told him he wasn’t going to run for commission if Woodyard decided to.

“He decided to run, so I will yield and try to keep my seat in the House of Delegates,” Foggin said. “There are several well qualified candidates planning to run for the House District 14.”

Those include former delegate and business owner Shannon Kimes; Angie Adams, a prominent Wirt County Republican; Andy Daniel, a local business person involved at the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport; and Foggin himself who described himself as “a former chemical engineer, a physics and chemistry teacher, a hunter, a farmer, a former gun shop owner, a coach, a Christian, etc.”

“So the voters have four great Republican candidates in the primary election,” Foggin said. “As usual, I will collect no money and spend no money during my campaign; that way if I’m elected, I have no clouded judgement and am not beholden to anyone other than the good folks of the 14th.”

Brett Dunlap can be reached at bdunlap@newsandsentinel.com