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GOP nomination contested in 11th District House race

PARKERSBURG – Primary election candidates for the Republican nomination for the House of Delegates 11th District cite their experience for the job.

Jeff Sandy and Andrew Borkowski are running on the Republican ticket with the winner facing Democrat Daniel Miller of Vienna in the November general election. Miller is running unopposed in the primary.

Early voting in West Virginia begins on Wednesday and will continue through May 9. Primary election day is May 12.

Miller has lived in Vienna for 29 years. Unopposed in the Democratic primary election, the focus of his campaign includes the affordability of food, medication and housing, diversification of available jobs, affordable health care particularly for those once in dangerous professions and keeping West Virginia wild, wonderful and with clean water and natural beauty.

“That includes no data centers in the state,” he said.

Sandy is a former sheriff of Wood County, a secretary of Homeland Security under Gov. Jim Justice and has received awards for the financial investigative work for the U.S. departments of the Treasury and Defense departments. He has 46 years experience in the private and public sectors, received the Distinguished West Virginian Award from Justice and Gov. Joe Manchin, the Albert Gallatin Award in recognition of more than 20 years of service to the Treasury Department and was a Marshall University Distinguished Alumnus in 2012.

“Simply stated I have a history of getting things done,” Sandy said.

Among legislation he would have proposed or supported had he been in the House this past session include property tax relief for senior citizens.

“Numerous seniors who worked hard to own their homes are now being forced to sell because property taxes have risen sharply over the past two decades,” Sandy said. “This problem is particularly severe for couples relying on two incomes when one spouse dies, leading to a drop in income that fails to match the escalating property taxes.”

Many retirees, including school teachers, do not receive yearly cost of living adjustments, Sandy said. The median annual income for West Virginians 65 and older is $45,248 while those 70 and older earn a median of $41,438, he said.

“I plan to propose legislation so that individuals over 65-years old with an annual West Virginia income of $30,000 or less will be eligible for a state tax credit equal to their property taxes, helping them cover these expenses,” Sandy said.

Sandy said he would support stronger penalties for the distribution of narcotics that result in death, expanded support and training for law enforcement concerning financial crimes, policies focused on fentanyl and opioid enforcement and improved coordination between county and state law enforcement.

He would support legislation encouraging government efficiency and oversight, such as stronger anti-fraud measures in public assistance programs and increased auditing and oversight of state spending.

On economic development, Sandy said he will support business recruitment incentives, infrastructure investment and tax policies aimed at attracting employers to West Virginia.

Borkowski for the past 12 years has been on the Board of Directors of Mountwood Park where he is treasurer. He also helped in the development of a 600-acre ATV park with 20 miles of trails and is working on a state-of-the-art campground. Borkowski was elected to Parkersburg City Council in 2024 and was elected president of city council this year.

“My record of service, experience in industrial sales and background as a small business owner give me a unique perspective on both the strengths of West Virginia and the challenges facing our individuals, families and communities,” Borkowski said. “Through my work in industrial sales, I have visited nearly every major manufacturing facility in the state, which has given me first-hand knowledge of our economic opportunities and obstacles.”

Borkowski said his service on Parkersburg City Council, including the leadership role as president, has also demonstrated his ability to work with others, solve problems “and deliver results that benefit our community.”

“I believe that combination of private-sector experience and public service makes me well prepared to serve in the House of Delegates,” Borkowski said.

Among bills he would have supported this past session of the Legislature include the Small Business Growth Act (Senate Bill 1), SB 392 to reduce the personal income tax and House Bill 4922 to provide relief from certain personal and real property taxes for homeowners age 65 and older.

“Measures like this can help seniors stay in their homes and ease the financial burden on those living on fixed incomes,” Borkowski said.

Borkowski said he will oppose legislation that unnecessarily grows the government, increases bureaucracy or places additional restrictions on individual freedom.

“Government should be focused on creating opportunity, protecting essential services and allowing people, families and businesses the freedom to succeed without excessive interference,” Borkowski said.

A need in Wood County is restoring and growing the manufacturing base, Borkowski said. A significant number of manufacturing jobs have been lost over the decades and many of the employers that remain are smaller than they once were, Borkowski said.

“We need to continue creating an environment that attracts good-paying manufacturing jobs back to the Mid-Ohio Valley,” Borkowski said. “Service-sector jobs are important, but no strong local economy can rely on them alone. Reducing unnecessary red tape, supporting business growth and encouraging investment will help expand our tax base, strengthen our communities and promote long-term economic development.”

The most pressing need across West Virginia is a stronger foundation for long-term economic growth, Borkowski said. That means reducing taxes and burdensome regulations, modernizing the approach to economic development and investing in critical infrastructure such as water systems, sewer systems, roads and bridges, Borkowski said.

“If we want to attract employers, retain families and create opportunities for the next generation, we have to make West Virginia a place where businesses can grow and communities can thrive,” Borkowski said.

Legislation needed to benefit most residents in Wood County is that which is focused on reducing personal property taxes and business taxes, Borkowski said. “Many people feel that if you must continue paying taxes on property you already own, you never truly own it,” he said.

Tax relief must be done responsibly, too, Borkowski said.

“We need to make sure any reductions are phased in and balanced in a way that does not strain the state budget or jeopardize important public services and initiatives,” Borkowski said. “The goal should be meaningful tax relief that helps families and businesses while keeping our state on solid financial footing.”

Andrew Borkowski, 46

Parkersburg

Industrial salesman

Jeff Sandy, 67

Vienna

Forensic investigator

Daniel Miller, 33

Vienna

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