GLEN DALE, W.Va. — Robert Dobkin announced his candidacy for the WV Second Senatorial District, which includes parts of Marshall, Marion and Monongalia counties and all of Wetzel, Tyler and Doddridge counties. The seat is currently held by Senator Charles Clements (Wetzel-R), who announced he will not seek reelection, and he has declared his endorsement for Dobkin’s campaign.

“For voters who want to see our state regain its focus on creating jobs, rebuilding our infrastructure, and improving education, I encourage them to support Bob Dobkin for State Senate,” said Clements. “Mr. Dobkin has my full endorsement for the State Senate for the upcoming 2026 Republican primary election.”

Dobkin is an attorney and community leader who has built his career on helping families, small businesses, and local organizations navigate complex legal and financial matters. He practices law at Spilman Thomas & Battle in their Wheeling office. His background includes being involved with the business community throughout West Virginia, including deep experience in the automotive, natural gas and banking industries.

Dobkin is running to bring disciplined decision-making and a results-oriented mindset to Charleston. “I am a common-sense conservative ready to roll up my sleeves and deliver common-sense leadership for our state,” said Dobkin. “I’ve spent my career in the legal, energy, banking, and auto industries–helping build businesses and create West Virginia jobs,” Dobkin continued.

Dobkin explained he is running as a pragmatic, solutions-oriented leader committed to bringing people together and delivering results. The campaign will focus on practical policies that reflect both fiscal responsibility and real-world needs.

Dobkin’s priorities are economic development, rebuilding infrastructure, revitalizing manufacturing, improving education and access to affordable healthcare, promoting West Virginian values, and demanding that the state government tax and spend smarter.

“This campaign is about the people of West Virginia who work hard, love their families, and simply want their government to work as hard as they do,” said Dobkin.

Dobkin continued, “I believe it’s time for a West Virginia that works — for everyone. For too long, our state has struggled to reach its potential. We’ve seen too many young people leave in search of opportunity, too many communities facing economic uncertainty, and too many policies that slow progress rather than accelerate it. We need to focus on the issues that will make West Virginia a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Dobkin was motivated to serve because of the growing partisan divide in national and state politics. He has grown increasingly concerned and “puzzled” that the Republican controlled legislature is unable to work together to provide meaningful solutions to the complex problems faced by everyday West Virginians. “I believe we need to restore respect, cooperation, and common-sense governance in a time of growing political division,” said Dobkin.

“Our state doesn’t need more empty rhetoric or partisan and in-party fighting,” Dobkin added. “We need leadership that listens, that works, and that delivers. I’m running to bring people together around shared West Virginian values and real solutions.”

For more information or to get involved, visit robertjdobkin.com or follow the campaign on Facebook at Robert Dobkin for WV Senate.