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Wesley Self
From Ballotpedia
Wesley Self (Republican Party) is running for election to the West Virginia House of Delegates to represent District 63. He declared candidacy for the Republican primary scheduled on May 12, 2026.[source]
Self completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Wesley Self was born in Buckhannon, West Virginia. He earned a high school diploma from Gilmer County High School and a bachelor's degree from Glenville State University in 2019. Self also attended Marshall University. His career experience includes working as an educator and videographer.[1]
Elections
2026
See also: West Virginia House of Delegates elections, 2026
General election
The primary will occur on May 12, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. General election candidates will be added here following the primary.
Republican primary election
Republican primary for West Virginia House of Delegates District 63
Incumbent Lori Cowger Dittman and Wesley Self are running in the Republican primary for West Virginia House of Delegates District 63 on May 12, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Lori Cowger Dittman | |
 | Wesley Self  | |
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Endorsements
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Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Wesley Self completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Self's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I’m Wesley Self, a proud Gilmer County native running as a Republican for the West Virginia House of Delegates in District 63. Born and raised in the heart of our rural communities, I’ve worked, worshipped, and built my life alongside the people of Gilmer and Braxton Counties. I know the challenges we face—crumbling roads, scarce jobs, spotty broadband, and limited healthcare access—because I’ve lived them too.
As a conservative, I stand firm for our Second Amendment rights, low taxes, and the traditional values that make our communities strong. But more than that, I’m a listener. I believe in showing up, keeping my promises, and respecting every voice, from Sutton to Sand Fork. I’m running to be your voice in Charleston, fighting for better jobs, fixed roads, reliable broadband, and healthcare solutions that work for us.
I’m not a career politician—I’m a neighbor, a friend, and a Gilmer County man committed to our future. My family and faith guide me, and I’m driven to ensure kids can stay here in West Virginia, our businesses thrive, and our communities prosper. I’m Wesley Self, and I’m here for you, ready to fight for District 63. Join me, and let’s build a stronger future together.- I’m Wesley Self, a Gilmer County Republican fighting for better jobs in District 63. As your Delegate, I’ll push for small business growth and vocational training to keep our families here. I’m here for you, listening to your needs and working tirelessly to build a stronger economic future for Braxton and Gilmer Counties.
- Wesley Self, your Gilmer County neighbor, is running to fix District 63’s crumbling roads and spotty broadband. I’ll secure state funding to pave roads like Route 5 and expand high-speed internet for our homes, schools, and businesses. I’m here for you, keeping promises to strengthen our communities.
- As a Gilmer County Republican, I’m Wesley Self, and I’ll protect our way of life in District 63. I stand for our Second Amendment rights, low taxes, and the values that unite us. I’m here for you, listening to every voice and fighting for our conservative principles.
I’m Wesley Self, a Gilmer County native and Republican running for House of Delegates in District 63. As a teacher, I’m passionate about our kids’ future, fighting for better schools and jobs to keep families here. I’ll secure funding to fix roads like Route 5 and expand broadband for our homes and businesses. I stand for our Second Amendment rights, low taxes, and the values that unite us. I’m here for you, listening to every voice from Sutton to Sand Fork, and I’ll keep my promises. Vote Wesley Self: Here for You, Fighting for Our Future.
As Wesley Self, a Gilmer County native and Republican running for West Virginia House of Delegates in District 63, I look up to my parents, Charles Self Jr. and Laura Self. Their example of hard work, faith, and community service inspires me. Like my grandparents, a Vietnam veteran and Glenville State cook, my parents taught me to value integrity and commitment. Charles Jr.’s dedication and Laura’s care for others guide my fight for jobs, roads, and broadband in Braxton and Gilmer Counties. As a teacher, I see their influence in my passion for education and listening to every voice. I want to follow their example by serving with honesty, protecting our conservative values like Second Amendment rights, and keeping promises to make District 63 stronger. I’m here for you, striving to honor their legacy.
As Wesley Self, a Gilmer County native and Republican running for West Virginia House of Delegates in District 63, my political philosophy is rooted in integrity, community, and conservative values. I recommend The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien to understand it. Like Bilbo Baggins, I believe in stepping up for my community—Braxton and Gilmer Counties—fighting for jobs, roads, broadband, and our Second Amendment rights. The story’s focus on courage, loyalty, and protecting home reflects my commitment to listening to every voice and keeping promises. As a teacher, I see parallels in Bilbo’s journey to my fight for our kids’ future and rural way of life. The Hobbit captures why I’m running: to serve with heart and defend what makes District 63 special. Grab it at a local library and see why I’m here for you!
As Wesley Self, a Gilmer County native and Republican running for West Virginia House of Delegates in District 63, I believe the most important characteristics for an elected official are integrity, accessibility, and commitment to conservative values. Integrity means keeping promises—voters deserve a leader who follows through. Accessibility is about listening to every voice, from Sutton to Sand Fork, and being there for our communities. Commitment to conservative values—like protecting our Second Amendment rights, keeping taxes low, and preserving our rural way of life—ensures I’ll fight for what makes District 63 strong. As a teacher, I know the value of hard work and respect, and I’ll bring those principles to Charleston to serve you.
As Wesley Self, a Gilmer County native and Republican running for West Virginia House of Delegates in District 63, I possess qualities that will make me a successful officeholder: integrity, accessibility, and a deep commitment to our rural communities. My teaching experience at Calhoun Middle/High School taught me to listen and solve problems, ensuring I represent every voice from Braxton to Sand Fork. My summer with the Department of Highways showed me the value of strong infrastructure, driving my fight for roads and broadband. Rooted in conservative values, I’ll protect Second Amendment rights and keep taxes low. Inspired by my parents, Charles Self Jr. and Laura, and my grandparents’ hard work, I’m dedicated to keeping promises and serving with honesty. I’m here for you, ready to deliver jobs and opportunity for District 63’s future.
As Wesley Self, a Gilmer County native and Republican running for West Virginia House of Delegates in District 63, I believe the core responsibilities of a Delegate are to represent, serve, and deliver for our communities. First, a Delegate must represent every voice in Braxton and Gilmer Counties, listening to concerns and bringing them to Charleston. Second, we must serve by fighting for practical solutions—better jobs, fixed roads like Route 5, expanded broadband, and stronger schools. Finally, we must deliver results while upholding conservative values: protecting Second Amendment rights, keeping taxes low, and preserving our rural way of life. As a teacher, I know accountability matters—I’ll work tirelessly to keep promises and make District 63 thrive.
As Wesley Self, a Gilmer County native and Republican running for West Virginia House of Delegates in District 63, I want to leave a legacy of service, opportunity, and integrity for Braxton and Gilmer Counties. I aim to be remembered as a Delegate who listened to every voice, fought for better jobs, fixed roads like Route 5, and brought broadband to our homes and schools. Inspired by my grandparents, Charles Self Sr., a Vietnam veteran, and Virginia Self, a Glenville State cook, and my parents, Charles Self Jr. and Laura, I want to strengthen our rural communities while protecting our conservative values—Second Amendment rights and low taxes. As a teacher, my legacy will be empowering our kids to stay and thrive in District 63. I’m here for you, building a future where our communities flourish with pride and possibility.
As Wesley Self, a Gilmer County native and Republican running for House of Delegates in District 63, the first historical event I remember is the 9/11 terrorist attacks. I was four, watching on a classroom TV in preschool at Sand Fork Elementary School. The shock of those planes hitting the Twin Towers in our small Gilmer County school left a mark. As a teacher, I see how that day shaped our nation’s resolve. It drives me to fight for safe, thriving communities in Braxton and Gilmer Counties, with better jobs, roads, and broadband, while protecting our freedoms. I’m here for you, committed to keeping District 63 strong, honoring the resilience we showed after 9/11.
As Wesley Self, a Gilmer County native and Republican running for House of Delegates in District 63, my first job was working on our family farm in Gilmer County. I tended livestock and equipment as a kid, learning hard work and rural values. My first official job was with the West Virginia Department of Highways in Glenville, where I worked one summer before college, maintaining roads. That experience showed me how vital infrastructure is to Braxton and Gilmer Counties. As a teacher, I’m passionate about serving our communities. I’m here for you, fighting for jobs, roads, broadband, and our conservative values to strengthen District 63.
As Wesley Self, a Gilmer County native and Republican running for West Virginia House of Delegates in District 63, my favorite book is *The Hobbit* by J.R.R. Tolkien. I love how Bilbo, just a regular guy from a quiet place like our Braxton and Gilmer Counties, finds the grit to take on big challenges and protect his home. It hits close to home for me, growing up in rural West Virginia. Recently, Dwight Yoakam’s “A Thousand Miles from Nowhere” was stuck in my head, and its lonesome vibe feels like Bilbo’s journey—pushing through tough times, like my own with Asperger’s. As a teacher, I see Bilbo’s heart in my fight for jobs, better roads, and broadband, all while standing up for our gun rights and values. I’m here for you, ready to keep it real and build a stronger District 63.
As Wesley Self, a Gilmer County native and Republican running for West Virginia House of Delegates in District 63, the last song stuck in my head was “A Thousand Miles from Nowhere” by Dwight Yoakam. Its haunting melody and raw, lonesome lyrics about feeling adrift yet rooted resonate deeply with our rural life in Braxton and Gilmer Counties. I was driving along Route 5, reflecting on my campaign to fight for jobs, roads, and broadband, when the song’s twang hit me. It captures the grit of our people, pushing through struggles like my own with Asperger’s. As a teacher, its honesty reminds me to stay true to our conservative values and keep promises. I’m here for you, channeling that song’s spirit to build a stronger District 63.
As Wesley Self, a Gilmer County native and Republican running for West Virginia House of Delegates in District 63, one struggle in my life has been living with Asperger’s Syndrome. Growing up in Gilmer County, navigating social situations was tough at times, but it taught me resilience and empathy. As a teacher, I’ve used those lessons to connect with students, understanding their challenges. This shapes my commitment to listen to every voice in Braxton and Gilmer Counties, fighting for jobs, roads, and broadband. Inspired by my parents, Charles Self Jr. and Laura, and my grandparents’ hard work, I channel my experiences into serving with integrity, protecting our conservative values like Second Amendment rights. I’m here for you, determined to overcome obstacles and build a stronger District 63.
As Wesley Self, a Gilmer County native and Republican running for West Virginia House of Delegates in District 63, I believe the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature is one of collaboration, mutual respect, and shared commitment to West Virginia’s people. The governor should lead with a clear vision, setting priorities like job creation and infrastructure that align with our rural needs in Braxton and Gilmer Counties. The legislature, as the voice of the people, must work alongside the governor to craft practical laws, holding them accountable to deliver results. This means open communication, not blind agreement—ensuring checks and balances while advancing conservative values like low taxes and Second Amendment rights. As a teacher, I know teamwork drives success. I’m here for you, ready to bridge local concerns to Charleston for a stronger District 63.
As Wesley Self, a Gilmer County native and Republican running for West Virginia House of Delegates in District 63, I see West Virginia’s greatest challenges over the next decade as economic stagnation, infrastructure deficits, and population decline. Our rural communities, like Braxton and Gilmer Counties, struggle with job losses in traditional industries like coal and timber, pushing young people to leave. We need to create diverse, sustainable jobs through small business incentives and vocational training. Crumbling roads, like Route 5, and spotty broadband hinder economic growth and education—fixing these is critical. The opioid crisis and limited healthcare access also threaten our families’ well-being. As a teacher, I know strong schools and communities keep us thriving. I’m here for you, fighting to protect our conservative values, boost our economy, and ensure District 63’s future stays bright.
As Wesley Self, a Gilmer County native and Republican running for West Virginia House of Delegates in District 63, I believe previous experience in government or politics can be helpful but isn’t essential. What matters most is a legislator’s commitment to their community, integrity, and ability to listen. My experience as a teacher has taught me to understand people’s needs and solve problems practically, skills I’ll bring to Charleston. Political experience might help navigate the system, but fresh perspectives from folks like me, rooted in Braxton and Gilmer Counties, ensure real-world solutions for jobs, roads, and broadband. I’m here for you, focused on conservative values like low taxes and Second Amendment rights, not insider politics. Voters deserve a Delegate who prioritizes their voices over political resumes.
As Wesley Self, a Gilmer County native and Republican running for West Virginia House of Delegates in District 63, I firmly believe building relationships with other legislators is essential. Strong relationships foster collaboration, which is critical for passing laws that benefit Braxton and Gilmer Counties, like funding for roads, broadband, and jobs. As a teacher, I’ve seen how teamwork drives results—working across party lines with respect ensures we deliver practical solutions while staying true to conservative values like low taxes and Second Amendment rights. By connecting with colleagues, I can advocate effectively for District 63, gaining support for our rural needs. These relationships also build trust, allowing me to influence legislation and hold government accountable. I’m here for you, committed to working with others in Charleston to strengthen our communities and keep my promises.
As Wesley Self, a Gilmer County native and Republican running for West Virginia House of Delegates in District 63, I want to model myself after Roger Hanshaw, West Virginia’s current Speaker of the House. Hanshaw, a Clay County native from a nearby rural district, embodies the integrity and pragmatism I aim to bring to Charleston. His ability to listen to constituents, build bipartisan relationships, and deliver results—like advancing economic development and infrastructure—resonates with my goal to fight for jobs, roads, and broadband in Braxton and Gilmer Counties. As a teacher, I admire Hanshaw’s focus on education and his steady leadership in upholding conservative values, like Second Amendment rights and low taxes. I’m here for you, striving to serve District 63 with the same dedication and respect Hanshaw models every day.
As Wesley Self, a Gilmer County native and Republican running for West Virginia House of Delegates in District 63, I’m 100% interested in running for higher political office in the future—yes, all the way to the White House! My passion for serving Braxton and Gilmer Counties drives me to fight for jobs, roads, broadband, and our conservative values now, but I dream big. Whether it’s U.S. Congress, governor, or beyond, I want to amplify our rural voices on a larger stage, always staying true to integrity, listening to every voice, and keeping promises. As a teacher, I know leadership starts with serving others, and I’m here for you, ready to build a stronger West Virginia and nation, step by step.
As Wesley Self, a Gilmer County native and Republican running for West Virginia House of Delegates in District 63, the most impactful story I’ve heard is that of my grandparents, Charles Self Sr. and Virginia Self. Their lives embody the hard work and resilience of our rural communities. My grandfather, a Vietnam War veteran, served our country with courage, returning to Gilmer County to build a life through dedication. My grandmother, a cook at Glenville State College, poured her heart into feeding students, strengthening our community’s spirit. Their story of sacrifice and service inspires me to fight for better jobs, roads, and broadband in Braxton and Gilmer Counties while protecting our conservative values. As a teacher, I carry their lessons of integrity and commitment, ensuring I’m here for you, listening and keeping promises for District 63’s future.
My favorite joke is, “What did the cow say to the bartender? ‘Moo’”
As Wesley Self, a Gilmer County native and Republican running for West Virginia House of Delegates in District 63, I believe the legislature must oversee and grant the use of emergency powers. Our rural communities in Braxton and Gilmer Counties rely on checks and balances to protect our freedoms. The governor needs flexibility in crises, but unchecked power risks overreach. As a teacher, I know accountability builds trust—legislative oversight ensures emergency measures align with our conservative values, like preserving Second Amendment rights and local control. I’d support clear, time-limited emergency powers, approved by the legislature, with regular reviews to prevent abuse. This keeps government transparent and responsive, ensuring we address urgent needs like infrastructure or healthcare without sacrificing liberty. I’m here for you, fighting to safeguard District 63’s values and future.
As Wesley Self, a Gilmer County Republican elected to serve District 63, I’m introducing the District 63 Rural Opportunity Act to transform Braxton and Gilmer Counties. This bill secures $10 million in state funding to expand high-speed broadband to every home and school, fix roads like Route 5, and incentivize small businesses to create local jobs. As a teacher, I know connectivity and infrastructure are vital for education and economic growth. The act ensures fiscal accountability with transparent budgets and local oversight, upholding our conservative values of limited government and Second Amendment rights. I’m here for you, fighting to keep families in District 63 and build a thriving future.
As Wesley Self, a Gilmer County native and Republican running for West Virginia House of Delegates in District 63, I’m eager to serve on committees that directly impact Braxton and Gilmer Counties. The Economic Development and Tourism Committee interests me most because I’m passionate about creating jobs and boosting our rural economy through small business incentives and tourism, like promoting Sutton Dam. The Infrastructure and Technology Committee is also key, as I’m committed to fixing roads like Route 5 and expanding broadband for our homes and schools. Finally, the Education Committee aligns with my teaching background, allowing me to advocate for better school funding and vocational programs to prepare our kids for local careers. These committees let me fight for District 63’s future while staying true to our conservative values.
As Wesley Self, a Gilmer County native and Republican running for West Virginia House of Delegates in District 63, I believe financial transparency and government accountability are non-negotiable. Taxpayers in Braxton and Gilmer Counties deserve to know exactly how their money is spent—every dollar should be tracked and justified. As a teacher, I’ve seen how clear budgeting builds trust, and I’ll demand the same in Charleston. Accountability means elected officials answer to you, not special interests. I’ll push for open financial records, regular audits, and public reporting on state spending, especially for projects like roads and broadband that impact our communities. If we’re fighting for jobs and our rural way of life, we must ensure government works honestly and efficiently. I’m here for you, committed to integrity and keeping promises to make District 63 stronger.
As Wesley Self, a Gilmer County native and Republican running for West Virginia House of Delegates in District 63, I believe a state ballot initiative process could be both good and bad for West Virginia, but I lean toward it being beneficial with careful safeguards. A ballot initiative would empower folks in Braxton and Gilmer Counties to directly propose laws on issues like jobs, broadband, or protecting Second Amendment rights, ensuring their voices shape our future. As a teacher, I value giving people a say, especially in rural areas often overlooked. However, without strict rules, it risks outside groups pushing agendas that don’t fit our conservative values. I’d support a process with high signature thresholds and legislative oversight to keep it local and accountable. I’m here for you, fighting to strengthen District 63 while preserving our way of life.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Campaign finance summary
Campaign finance information for this candidate is not yet available from OpenSecrets. That information will be published here once it is available.
See also
2026 Elections
External links
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Candidate West Virginia House of Delegates District 63 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on July 21, 2025
Current members of the West Virginia House of Delegates
Leadership
Minority Leader:Sean Hornbuckle
Representatives
District 1
Pat McGeehan (R)
District 2
Mark Zatezalo (R)
District 3
Jimmy Willis (R)
District 4
Bill Flanigan (R)
District 5
Shawn Fluharty (D)
District 6
Jeffrey Stephens (R)
District 7
Charles Sheedy (R)
District 8
Bill Bell (R)
District 9
Trenton Barnhart (R)
District 10
District 11
Bob Fehrenbacher (R)
District 12
Vernon Criss (R)
District 13
Scot Heckert (R)
District 14
Dave Foggin (R)
District 15
Erica Moore (R)
District 16
Joe Parsons (R)
District 17
Jonathan Pinson (R)
District 18
Jim Butler (R)
District 19
Kathie Crouse (R)
District 20
Sarah Drennan (R)
District 21
Jarred Cannon (R)
District 22
Daniel Linville (R)
District 23
Evan Worrell (R)
District 24
Patrick Lucas (R)
District 25
Sean Hornbuckle (D)
District 26
Matthew Rohrbach (R)
District 27
Michael Amos (R)
District 28
Ryan Browning (R)
District 29
Henry Dillon (R)
District 30
Jeff Eldridge (R)
District 31
District 32
Josh Holstein (R)
District 33
Jordan Bridges (R)
District 34
Mark Dean (R)
District 35
Adam Vance (R)
District 36
S. Green (R)
District 37
Marty Gearheart (R)
District 38
Joe Ellington (R)
District 39
Doug Smith (R)
District 40
Roy Cooper (R)
District 41
Jordan Maynor (R)
District 42
Brandon Steele (R)
District 43
District 44
Carl Roop (R)
District 45
Eric Brooks (R)
District 46
Jeff Campbell (R)
District 47
Denny Canterbury (R)
District 48
Tom Clark (R)
District 49
Stanley Adkins (R)
District 50
David Pritt (R)
District 51
Marshall Clay (R)
District 52
Tresa Howell (R)
District 53
Tristan Leavitt (R)
District 54
Mike Pushkin (D)
District 55
JB Akers (R)
District 56
Kayla Young (D)
District 57
Hollis Lewis (D)
District 58
Walter Hall (R)
District 59
Andy Shamblin (R)
District 60
Dana Ferrell (R)
District 61
Dean Jeffries (R)
District 62
Roger Hanshaw (R)
District 63
District 64
Adam Burkhammer (R)
District 65
Carl Martin (R)
District 66
Jonathan Kyle (R)
District 67
District 68
Chris Phillips (R)
District 69
Keith Marple (R)
District 70
Mickey Petitto (R)
District 71
Laura Kimble (R)
District 72
Clay Riley (R)
District 73
Bryan Smith (R)
District 74
Mike DeVault (R)
District 75
Phil Mallow (R)
District 76
Rick Garcia (D)
District 77
Joe Statler (R)
District 78
Eugene Chiarelli (R)
District 79
Evan Hansen (D)
District 80
John Williams (D)
District 81
Anitra Hamilton (D)
District 82
David McCormick (R)
District 83
George Street (R)
District 84
D.R. Jennings (R)
District 85
John Paul Hott (R)
District 86
Bryan Ward (R)
District 87
Gary Howell (R)
District 88
Rick Hillenbrand (R)
District 89
David Cannon (R)
District 90
George Miller (R)
District 91
Ian Masters (R)
District 92
Michael Hite (R)
District 93
Michael Hornby (R)
District 94
Larry Kump (R)
District 95
Charles Horst (R)
District 96
Lisa White (R)
District 97
S. Anders (R)
District 98
Joe Funkhouser (R)
District 99
Wayne Clark (R)
District 100
William Ridenour (R)
Republican Party (91)
Democratic Party (9)
