WV STATEWIREBRIDGEPORT — Retired Army First Sgt. Joe Earley officially launched his campaign Thursday for the West Virginia Senate in District 12, pledging to bring “true conservative leadership” to Charleston and challenging incumbent Republican Sen. Ben Queen in the May 12 primary.
Speaking at Brickside in Bridgeport, Earley emphasized his military and professional background, including two decades in the Army and his current work as a cybersecurity engineer, as preparation for tackling issues ranging from economic growth to energy development. “We need to worry about the economy and keeping young people… in this state because they’re the largest export of our state,” Earley said, highlighting his focus on jobs and retaining young workers.
Earley criticized Queen for what he described as a lack of legislative initiative, saying the incumbent has not sponsored bills during the current session.
“I call that lazy and reprehensible that you cannot do your job and feel entitled to the position just because of your name,” Earley said.
Earley outlined a platform centered on tax reform, energy independence, and personal freedoms. Earley called for elimination of the state personal income tax and investments in emerging energy technologies, including small modular nuclear reactors. He said such steps are necessary to create high-paying jobs and support West Virginia families.
Other priorities Earley highlighted include school choice, parental rights, and medical freedom.
“At its core, this race is really about liberty and freedom as individuals and having personal property rights, individual freedoms, our God-given rights that are endowed onto us through the U.S. Constitution,” he said.
District 12 covers Harrison, Lewis, Gilmer, and Calhoun counties and part of Taylor county. The 2026 Republican Primary is set for May 12.
