Republican candidagte Ben Queen has officially filed to run for the West Virginia State Senate, representing District 12 comprised of Harrison, Taylor, Lewis, Gilmer and Calhoun Counties after previously announcing his intentions last year.

 

Queen filed his candidacy paperwork in Charleston Wednesday. Currently, Queen is the Chairman of the Economic Development & Small Business Committee in the West Virginia House of Delegates, whe he is serving in his sixth year representing District 48, which is made up of all of Harrison County and part of Taylor County.

 

In the House, Queen serves as a longtime member of the  Judiciary Committee. He was also selected to serve as chairman of the Economic Development & Small Business Committee and as member of the Seniors, Children & Family Issues Committee. As a member in the joint interim committee deliberations, Queen serves as chairman of the Interim Committee on Technology. He also serves on the joint interim committees for Judiciary and Economic Development.

 

"The last six years has provided a great opportunity for me to learn the legislative process," Queen said. "I've also learned a great deal about how state and local government can work together to address local issues and build relationships.

 

"I'm also an advocate for education - especially career education and the arts. I want to do more to help our county school systems recruit and retain qualified employees," Queen continued. "If we're going to provide a quality education for every child, our county school boards need the tools required to address curriculum, health, facility, and safety issues for our students. That begins with being fully staffed."

 

Queen said that his work on the Seniors, Children & Family Committee has given him a greater opportunity to better understand the challenges faced by senior citizens and families with children.

 

Queen is an entrepreneur and small business owner. At the age of 12 while in middle school, he started Ben Queen photography - specializing in sports and event photography.  Today, Ben Queen Photography provides photos for leading news outlets including USA Today, Sports Illustrated, ESPN Sports, WVU Athletic Department, MetroNews, and other leading newspapers.

 

A lifelong resident of Bridgeport, Delegate Queen was first elected to the House of Delegates at the age of 21 - the youngest ever elected from Harrison County. He has maintained a vision on keeping young people here and making it easier for young people to choose to live in West Virginia.

 

"I am running for the State Senate to ensure my generation has a voice on every issue. I want to keep future generations here, keep my friends here, and to those who have moved away, to bring them home."

 

Queen, 26, is the son of Michael Queen and Paula Thompson Carter.

 

Editor's Note: Ben Queen files for office in Charleston on Wednesday with his girlfriend Meredith Ward. With Queen, from left, is current State Senate President Craig Blair, current Speaker of the House Roger Hanshaw and former State Senate President Bill Cole.