Charles D. Hartzog is a 23-year-old Parkersburg native and 2025 graduate of West Virginia University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics. He graduated from Parkersburg High School in 2021. His professional experience includes working as an assistant manager at Jimmy John’s and, more recently, as an overnight stocker at Walmart. Hartzog ran for Monongalia County Commission in 2022 and for magistrate judge in Monongalia County in 2024. He challenged incumbent Del. Vernon Criss in the 2026 Republican primary for House District 12. The race drew statewide attention because Criss was chairman of the House Finance Committee and had publicly disagreed with Gov. Patrick Morrisey over budget and policy matters. Morrisey endorsed Hartzog and personally campaigned in Parkersburg ahead of the primary. Hartzog defeated Criss with 688 votes, or 61.98%, compared with Criss’ 422 votes, or 38.02%, according to Wood County’s primary results. Criss subsequently filed to run in November as an official write-in candidate.
Demolition Slated For Thurmond Area Of New River Gorge Despite Protests
Construction and building removal work is scheduled to begin in late November in the Prince, Thurmond and Brookside areas of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, despite resistance.
Continue Reading Take Me to More News