“ Samantha Tanner-Lester, a Clay County native and graduate of Calhoun County High School (Class of 2021), is a candidate dedicated to serving the people of West Virginia’s District 62 with faith, compassion, and integrity. She will earn her Regent Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis in Criminal Justice from Glenville State University this May, where she became actively involved in campus leadership, community engagement, and student and state politics. Guided by her Christian faith and a calling to serve others, Tanner-Lester organized the first-ever Purple Tree Project to support individuals and families affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking; although more than a week was planned for donations, the effort was completed in just three days through her leadership and community outreach.
Tanner-Lester believes true leadership reflects Christ-like service—showing up for others, listening with humility, and working diligently to meet the needs of the community. Focused on restoring a strong sense of unity across Clay, Calhoun, and parts of Gilmer Counties, she is committed to pursuing real solutions to challenges that have gone unattended for too long. While she is a registered Democrat, Tanner-Lester emphasizes that her values are grounded first in her faith and her dedication to people rather than party labels, striving to represent every resident with fairness, respect, and love for thy neighbors.”
