Are We Tired of Being at the Bottom Yet?

West Virginia is a beautiful state with good people—and we deserve better than the numbers I’m about to share.

Independent data comparing all 50 states shows:

• Overall livability: West Virginia ranks 42nd out of 50. Every state that touches us does better—Virginia (11th), Pennsylvania (22nd), Maryland (25th), Kentucky (35th), and Ohio (36th).

• Public schools: West Virginia ranks 46th out of 50. Pennsylvania is 5th. Virginia is 9th. Maryland is 12th. Even Kentucky and Ohio are in the mid 20s.

• Economy and health: West Virginians face weaker job opportunities and worse health outcomes than our neighbors. That’s not about our work ethic. It’s about the choices made in Charleston.

If “MAGA” politics were really working for the common person, West Virginia wouldn’t be trailing almost everyone on schools, jobs, and health while our neighbors pull ahead.

So, what is the Republican Party doing to make things better in Charleston in 2026?

The West Virginia Legislature is focusing on codifying the term "illegal alien" into the West Virginia State Code amidst a broader anti-immigrant agenda. For decades federal agencies have refrained from using the term "illegal alien" because it dehumanizes people, specifically undocumented immigrants. This term may inspire hate. But here we are.

Let's put bibles in our public schools. Gee -- what could go wrong with that? Yet it is being debated.

How about forcing local municipalities to make their local elections partisan? Oh yea -- that's really going to help the average West Virginian.

Don't forget about pleasing the anti-science, anti-vaccination crowd. In 2026, the West Virginia Legislature will likely take another run at debating this issue, potentially delivering another danger to public health. I wonder how many people unnecessarily died of COVID because of this MAGA induced anti-science insanity.

I could go on -- but you get the point. The GOP's focus is not on lifting our state up and out of poverty or in making life better for the average West Virginian.

It’s time to try something different:

• Strong public schools so our kids don’t have to leave to succeed.

• Real economic development, not just slogans—good jobs, small business support, and modern infrastructure.

• Serious investment in health, addiction treatment, and community safety.

• Modernize and expand our state park system and state recreation areas to bring in tourist dollars and improve recreation opportunities for all West Virginians.

Yes folks -- all this and more is possible.

Following MAGA into the abyss hasn’t lifted West Virginia up. It’s kept us stuck at the bottom while other states quietly do the basics and move ahead.

In 2026, you'll have a choice. America is also ready for big, bold change. A new day for West Virginia awaits with the 2026 election.

Let’s stop settling for “last” and start demanding better—for our kids, our workers, and our future. Let's flip this district BLUE and strengthen better outcomes in Charleston.

— Lou Assaro

Candidate for WV House of Delegates, District 69

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