By james art 
The West Virginia House of Delegates District 2 race is heating up as incumbent Mark Zatezalo faces off against recent West Virginia University graduate Olivia Dowler.
Zatezalo focuses on energy development and economic growth, while Dowler aims to bring a fresh perspective to the role.
Zatezalo, the deputy chairman of the Department of Energy and a seasoned voice in the Legislature, emphasized his record of helping West Virginia’s economy.
“We are now producing 10 times more gas than before the projectile went into service,” Zatezalo said. “This is an increased service tax available to the state. And that type of thing, like a spot example, Form Energy, which was kind of a tough lift, but we did it.”
He explained that by these means Weirton’s water supply had doubled. He also pointed to recent strides in attracting industry to the area, including projects like Form Energy.
“Well, I think we’ve been able to create jobs in the area and in West Virginia and bring prosperity to West Virginia,” Zatezalo said. “I’d like us to continue this and I think they should think about it when they vote.
Zatezalo expressed concern about the impact of federal policies on West Virginia’s infrastructure.
“The Biden administration is not allowing pipelines,” Zatezalo said. “And my point now is that if they won’t allow us to have pipelines coming out of the state of West Virginia, then we have to pipeline it into the state of West Virginia and use it here, and that’s going to be my focus in the next session.”
Dowler is working on a platform to revitalize communities and support working families. She points to the closing of the Kroger in downtown Weirton, signaling a push for stricter food access policies.
“If you don’t have access to nutritious food, going to work and school, you might go, but you won’t really be there, you’ll be thinking about where your next meal is really coming from,” Dowler said.
As West Virginia transitions to renewable energy, Dowler advocated for transitional support for workers in traditional industries.
“As we transition to renewable energy, we’re looking after our workers like our steel workers, our coal miners and making sure they’re offered that compensated training first, and they all get those renewable jobs first because they’re also going to lose work first,” Dowler said.
Dowler, who graduated from WVU in 2024, is positioning herself as a fresh voice.
“It’s definitely time for a new voice and a new perspective,” Dowler said. “I support stronger workers, fuller plates and safer communities. I think it’s time to have someone who’s an advocate for the community, who doesn’t just go in there with her own voice, but a voice for the community that elevates that, reinforces that, and if we want young men and women to stay in the state, I think , that it’s time to start putting them in office.”