WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Jan. 3, 2023 — Just a few months ago, James “Jimmy” Willis, a 22-year-old West Liberty University student, was elected to join the West Virginia House of Delegates by beating incumbent Democrat Phil Diserio for the District 3 seat in the midterm elections.
Willis’ major is political science so he indicates that it’s natural that he took a path to a political career.
“I got interested in politics because I’ve always had an interest in serving the country. My interest increased because I saw the media’s unfair treatment of Trump during his term,” said Willis, who will serve a two-year term as delegate.
He looks forward to being sworn in on Jan. 11 in Charleston.
His focus and political priorities include gaining more road funding for the citizens of the Northern Panhandle.
“The big thing I want to do is get some road funding up here to the Northern Panhandle District 3 especially, and make sure our roads get fixed,” Willis said.
He also is interested in addressing the need for funding vocational tech programs for high school students who may not be interested in a traditional college path to career success.
A resident of Bethany since childhood, Willis is pleased with his WLU college experience however.
“I’ve been an ambassador for West Liberty University for two years now and enjoy working in the enrollment center. I also work part-time in WLU’s maintenance department,” Willis explained.
He has been appointed by Speaker Roger Hanshaw to serve on the House Education Committee, the Technology and Infrastructure Committee, the Economic Development and the Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services Committee.
He has already attended the party caucus meetings, held just prior to the holidays in the state capitol.
A registered Republican, he is pleased that the GOP now controls 31 of 34 seats in the Senate and 88 out of 100 in the House.
“I’m exhilarated by the tremendous successes for the Republican Party in West Virginia elections this fall. I look forward to working with my colleagues,” he said.
And yes, he has met the famous Babydog, Gov. Jim Justice’s English bulldog, seeing him and posing with the popular pup at the annual tree lighting ceremony, held on Dec. 3 at the State Capitol Complex.
As far as Willis’ education goes, he plans to take the semester off and return to class in the fall.
“Being in a college environment has helped me to understand the liberal standpoint and the other side of the aisle,” Willis stated. “I’m excited to get to Charleston and to put forth the traditional, conservative values that I was elected on. And I intend to work to make West Virginia the best state in the union.”