Jim Butler is a Republican member of the West Virginia House of Delegates representing District 18, which includes Mason and Putnam counties. Butler has served in the House for several years and currently serves as an assistant majority whip. Before entering politics, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps and worked as an excavating and logging contractor. He also has experience in classic auto restoration. Butler is from Mason County and is involved with several local organizations, including the Mason County Chamber of Commerce, Mason County Farm Bureau and Mason County Development Authority Advisory Committee. He has two children and is married to Anna Maria Butler. In the Legislature, Butler serves on the Homeland Security, Judiciary and Legal Services committees. He has worked on issues including taxes, education, hunting, elections and veterans. Butler ran unopposed in the 2026 Republican primary and will face Democratic candidate Jonathan Hersman in the November general election.