Toby Heaney

MOUNDSVILLE – In a race for a Republican nomination in a West Virginia Senate District that stretches from Marshall County to Monongalia County, Fairview resident Toby Heaney defeated Glen Dale resident Robert Dobkin on Tuesday.

Heaney earned 3,713 votes, ahead of Dobkin’s 3,074. He will now face Democrat Chris Claypole of Mannington, who ran unopposed, in November.

Referring to himself as a veteran and economist, Heaney said, “I have the background and the skill set to bring positive change to our state and district. I can help revitalize our economy with good-paying jobs while streamlining our state government.”

Heaney is a retired sergeant in the West Virginia National Guard, serving 24 years with 20 of those years on active duty, including service during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Heaney has a bachelor’s degree in finance from Fairmont State University, a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Charleston, and a master’s degree in economics from WVU. Heaney is now pursuing a Doctorate degree from WVU in economics, focused on unemployment, the housing market and veterans’ issues.

Dobkin could not be reached for comment at press time. On his social media on election day, Dobkin thanked people for their support.