West Virginia State House District 54

Current seat holder: Mike Pushkin (Democrat).

Mike Pushkin

Mike Pushkin (Democratic) is the incumbent member of the West Virginia House of Delegates representing District 54 (Kanawha County) and a candidate for re-election on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot. Education: George Washington High School; West Virginia University, English and Political Science. Occupation: Taxi Driver/Musician. Town of Birth: Charleston, WV. Affiliations: B'Nai Jacob Synagogue; American Federation of Musicians Local 136; Recovery Point WV Board of Directors; Charleston Main Streets Board of Directors; ACLU; NAACP; YWCA Racial Justice Committee.

“The concept of this Pilot Program allows flexibility and local control while focusing on areas of need so that we can close the achievement gap,” (West Virginia Legislature News Release (wvlegislature.gov))
“Yesterday, we had an opportunity to enhance the business climate and job market for all West Virginians but declined to do so,” (West Virginia Legislature News Release (wvlegislature.gov))
“I voted against suspending rules to take up House Bill 113 for a few reasons, but mainly because it does not provide opportunity for the actual residents in the opportunity zone,” (West Virginia Legislature News Release (wvlegislature.gov))

Tara Martinez

Tara Nicole Martinez is an Independent candidate, business owner and advocate. She is a Latino American who is a longtime West Virginia resident and currently lives in Charleston, West Virginia. She is a mother who says she has focused her career on women and family issues, workforce development, agriculture, economic opportunity and helping communities build practical solutions to real problems. She has worked for nearly three decades across state government agencies, local small business operations and nonprofit boards. Martinez has a background in workforce development, agricultural policy, women and family services, and civic engagement initiatives. She says she is running as an Independent because she feels West Virginia needs someone who puts community before politics and works with anyone, Republican, Democrat or Independent. Her platform includes childcare access, workforce retention, workforce systems modernization, small business growth and strong agricultural economies. Martinez has previously served in public advisory roles, including an appointment to the West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council.

· Ballotpedia (secondary source)

“I'm a mom, wife, daughter, friend, advocate, and lifelong West Virginian who has spent nearly three decades working inside state government and nonprofit organizations to help our state work better for its people. My career has focused on women and family issues, workforce development, agriculture, economic opportunity, and helping communities build practical solutions to real problems. I'm running as an Independent because I believe the people of District 54 deserve a representative who puts community before politics and works with anyone, Republican, Democrat, or Independent, who is serious about improving life for West Virginia families.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey)
“West Virginians deserve practical solutions that strengthen families, grow our workforce and small business opportunities. I've spent years helping modernize workforce systems and supporting initiatives that connect people to jobs, training, and opportunity. I'm especially passionate about expanding access to childcare and supporting innovative models that help working parents afford care while helping employers retain workers. When families succeed, our communities and local economies grow stronger.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey)
“I am passionate about policies that strengthen families and expand opportunity across West Virginia. My work has focused on workforce development, childcare access, and helping government programs operate more effectively for the people they serve. I believe strong workforce systems, affordable childcare, and support for local community initiatives are key to long-term economic growth. I'm also passionate about improving collaboration between government, nonprofits, and businesses so we can create practical solutions that help West Virginians succeed.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey)

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