Frederick ?Happy Joe? Parsons is a Republican member of the West Virginia House of Delegates representing District 16 in Jackson County. Parsons was first elected to the House in 2024 after longtime Delegate Steve Westfall retired. Before entering politics, Parsons spent nearly four decades working in broadcasting. He served as senior vice president and general manager of MetroNews and West Virginia Radio Corporation from 1986 to 2024. He also owns West Virginia Speakers Bureau, LLC. Parsons has been involved in his community for many years, including serving eight years on the Jackson County Board of Education. He lives in Ripley with his wife, Stacy. Parsons is seeking another term in the House in 2026 and will face Democratic challenger Jason M. Barr in the general election. His legislative work has included issues involving education, health care, energy and economic development. Parsons was also inducted into the West Virginia Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2023 for his career in broadcasting.