ELKINS — Republican State Senate candidate Jack Reger criticized legislative inaction on rural schools and rising health care costs for public employees during remarks delivered in Elkins, as he campaigns in a three-way primary race in West Virginia’s 11th District.
Speaking outside North Elementary School, one of several schools facing potential closure, Reger said the situation reflects a broader failure of leadership at the state level.
“We’re in Elkins, West Virginia at North Elementary School, one of the schools facing closure next school year,” Reger said. “This didn’t happen overnight. The warning signs were there. The need was clear, but action never came.”
Reger is challenging incumbent Sen. Bill Hamilton, R-Upshur, and former Sen. Robert Karnes in the upcoming Republican primary.
He argued that lawmakers missed opportunities to pass legislation that could have helped stabilize rural schools, adding that the 11th District now faces more potential closures than any other district in the state.
“Leadership requires us to take proactive measures before a situation results in a crisis,” Reger said. “We should be strengthening our schools, not closing them.”
Reger also pointed to Senate Bill 268, passed in 2023, which increased health insurance premiums for some state employees and their families. He noted that Hamilton co-sponsored the measure and said it placed additional financial strain on teachers, service personnel and other public workers.
“Organizations representing these workers spoke out. They warned what would happen. They asked for a different path — they weren’t heard,” Reger said.
Hamilton has previously defended legislative efforts related to state finances and public employee benefits, though he has not publicly responded to Reger’s latest comments.
Reger framed the issues of school closures and rising costs as interconnected challenges affecting communities across the district.
“When a school closes, it affects everyone. And when costs go up, it hits every kitchen table across our district,” he said.
He called for leadership that listens to constituents and acts earlier to address emerging problems.
“I will fight for our schools. I will fight for our workers. And I will make sure our communities are never left behind again,” Reger said.
The Republican Primary election is scheduled for May 12.
