Samantha Tanner-Lester announced on June 10th, 2026, that she will no longer continue her campaign for the West Virginia House of Delegates.
In Tanner-Lester’s statement, she informed supporters of her decision to step away from the race. Those interested in hearing Tanner-Lester’s remarks in full can watch her announcement here:
Tanner-Lester had been seeking election to represent House District 62. As a first-time candidate, Tanner-Lester became a visible figure among West Virginia Democrats. Supporters often pointed to her willingness to campaign in deeply conservative areas and engage directly with residents as an example of the grassroots outreach many believe is necessary for the party’s future in the state.
Reasons for Withdrawing
Tanner-Lester stressed that her decision was not the result of intimidation by political opponents or a loss of confidence in her democratic mission.
Instead, she cited concerns for her family’s safety and well-being, saying, “We have experienced actions that made us feel targeted, public scrutiny to extreme levels, and social hostility that, in our opinions, have crossed far beyond what should be considered moral political disagreements.”
She added that political disagreements should not create an environment where families feel threatened.
“There is a difference between disagreement and creating an environment where families feel unsafe,” she said.
A Message About Leadership
Tanner-Lester emphasized her belief that leadership is rooted in personal connection and service to others rather than political ambition.
“Leadership is not showing up when it is convenient; it is showing up when it is costly,” she said. “Leadership is standing beside people when there are no cameras present, no headlines to be earned, and no election just around the corner.”
She also warned against prioritizing power over people, stating that the greater threat to democracy is not a particular party or candidate, but “the temptation of the pursuit of power, to control without conscience.” According to Tanner-Lester, “when power becomes more important than people, the soul of democracy is diminished.”
Throughout her statement, she referenced her Christian values and commitment to serving others. She also expressed gratitude to those who supported her candidacy and shared in her vision for the district.
