My name is JB Akers. I am a Republican who represents the 55th District (part of Kanawha County) in the West Virginia Legislature. I am a husband, a father, a business owner and a lifelong West Virginian. I believe that faith and family are the foundation for a brighter future. I am unapologetically proud of our country’s and State’s traditions.

My primary passion is to create a better economy for the people of this State. We can do this by making West Virginia the most business friendly place in America. This means creating a world-class workforce, smarter tax policies and right-sizing government. Our education system is a vital part of our plans for growth since any business, large or small, needs talented employees and owners.

Energy remains our State's most robust economic driver. I grew up in the coalfields communities and remain grateful for the mining industries that have supported our State for so long. I also have great optimism for the future of natural gas production, and especially all of the downstream benefits that resource may provide. There is no denying that West Virginia has had several big economic "wins" the past several years, some of which are tied directly to our State's energy resources. We need to keep that momentum going, and bring some of those big wins closer to home in the Kanawha Valley.

We have a lot to be proud of. At the same time, our State faces continuing challenges related to substance abuse and the family crises linked to it. We have to fight that issue head on with proactive policies. We should offer help to those who will accept it. But, we must send a clear message that we will not tolerate distribution of deadly drugs or any drug related violence in the place we call home.

I would be honored to earn your vote. Together, we can make this a better State.