we’re out to win a city council that works for all of us.
We’re fighting for a new kind of city council in Charleston, one that gets to the root of our city’s pain. And thanks to the input of hundreds of our neighbors, we have a clear plan for a better future.
We are endorsing 6 City Council candidates in 2026:
James Elam - Ward 18
As a resident of Kanawha City, James Elam has dedicated his life to service - both through his work in hospitals and his experience in law enforcement. Those experiences have shown him firsthand the importance of public safety, public health, and ensuring that every voice in our community is heard.
James is runnign for City Council because Ward 18 deserves a strong advocate who will fight for safer streets, healthier neighborhoods and a more inclusive Charleston
Beth Kerns, Ward 7
Beth Kerns is a lifelong resident of Charleston, WV seeking re-election to represent Ward 7. She served in the West Virginia Army National Guard for nearly 25 years of Active Duty.
Beth has played active rolls in various non-profits such as the East End Resource Center, Shepherd’s Center of Charleston, WV Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve, WV Military Retiree Association, the Optimist Club of Charleston, Operation Sweet Dreams, West Side Farmers Market, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles #519.
Justin Gibson - At-large
At 27 years old, Jason Gibson represents a new generation of Charlestonians who believe that home should be a place worth staying in—not a place you feel pressured to leave behind. Born and raised in Charleston, he graduated from George Washington High School, where he first developed a deep appreciation for the people, neighborhoods, and shared history that make this city unique.
Joe Solomon, At-large
Joe is running for re-election as an at-large city councilmember. In his first term, Joe collaborated with others in city government to:
-Secure $400,000 in first-ever funding for the city's warming and cooling centers over three years
-Allocate $900,000 of the city's opioid settlement funding for local community projects
-Hold over 40 Office Hours events across the city, solving everyday problems
Theresa Horton - Ward 14
Theresa Horton is running for Charleston City Council in Ward 14 because she believes local government should work for the people who live here — not special interests, insiders, or politics as usual.
Theresa is a longtime member of this community who has consistently shown up for her neighbors. She listens, follows through, and works to solve real, everyday problems. She understands that strong neighborhoods are built through practical leadership, transparency, and respect for the people who call Ward 14 home.
Chelsea Steelhammer, Ward 10
Chelsea Steelhammer was born and raised in Kanawha County and has lived in Charleston since graduating college. As an elementary school teacher, Chelsea knows the importance of community support on individuals, especially children and those who are more vulnerable. In her first term on City Council, Chelsea helped secure funding for the city’s Warming Center where she can be found passing out cocoa and conversation.
“Charleston has a lot of great things happening, but we still have many under-addressed needs that are deeply impacting our neighbors that I hope to be able to help find solutions for,” she says.
For more information, or to become a volunteer, contact team@wvcantwait.com.