The Washington County Board of Elections was open after hours on election day. Voting closed at 7:30 p.m. and members of the board spent the evening counting votes. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

PARKERSBURG – Incumbent Washington County Commissioner Eddie Place is being challenged in Tuesday’s Republican primary by former Fort Frye Local Board of Education member Stephanie Lang.

Place, who was appointed to the seat in January 2025, said he wants a strong and growing community that supports real opportunities for everyone.

“I want you to be able to raise your family here and watch your grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up here, too,” he said in a written statement. “I became a county commissioner because I want to make Washington County stronger.”

Place said during his time on the commission, he has met with legislators in Columbus and Washington, D.C., to help them understand the county in terms of its challenges and opportunities. He said he’s worked alongside Commissioners Charlie Schilling and Greg Nohe to expand workforce opportunities in the area.

“We have supported growth in farming, technology, energy, education, manufacturing, oil and gas, and timber,” he said. “Out goal is simple: make sure every person in Washington County can find good, meaningful work right here at home.”

Born and raised in Washington County, Place was 24 years old when he started his HVAC company, which he said is now one of the largest in the region.

“I also farm over 1,000 acres growing corn, soybeans and hay, and raising cattle,” said Place. “I love farming. Most days you will find me on my tractor, and if you have not tried Place beef, you are missing out.”

Place said his family is what he is most proud of and they spend a lot of time together. He said sharing a meal together and staying close “means everything” to him. He said he wants that for every family in the county.

“We have a great county,” said Place. “I am honored to serve as your county commissioner, and I hope to earn your vote to continue serving for four more years.”

Lang said she decided she wanted to run for county commissioner about a year ago. She stepped down at the end of 2025 after serving on Fort Frye’s Board of Education for 12 years, but wanted to continue serving her community.

“I want to be civically engaged,” she said. “For good people to do nothing, evil prevails.”

Lang said her experience on the board of education prepared her in a lot of ways by being transparent with the community and fiscally responsible.

“I always do my research and deep dive into the topics,” she said. “There are times you have to stand on principle, even if it’s not what the majority agrees on.”

Lang said there were times she would vote no on issues because she felt passing them wouldn’t best serve the staff and students of the district.

“I just want to do what’s right for God and for the people,” she said.

Lang grew up in a small town north of Beverly and graduated from Fort Frye. She said she and her husband have always been frugal people and live a “modest and simple life.”

For 35 years, Lang has been employed at Memorial Health Systems as a radiologic technologist. She said her entire career has been focused on the health and wellness of her community and she strives to be proactive in ensuring a healthy community.

When it comes to government and community issues, Lang said she would strive for representation of the people and full transparency.

“As a public official, I would never sign a non-disclosure agreement or give billionaire companies tax abatements because that just doesn’t seem right,” said Lang. “Concerning taxpayer dollars, I would not accept or give money to a lobbyist firm, I think we could save our money and do things ourselves.”

Lang referred to the data center project NDA signed by the Washington County commissioners and a partnership they entered with Sunday Creek Horizons.

Lang said being a county commissioner is about representing the people and taking action that best fits the needs of the county.

“I will bring back transparency and honesty, and I will give excellence and expect excellence in return,” she said.

The polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at polling locations specified on the Washington County Board of Elections website.

Early voting hours are today from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. at the Board of Elections office 204 Davis Ave., Suite B.

Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com