I’m Sarah Umberger, and I’m a candidate for the West Virginia House of Delegates.

I am running for office because I’ve seen the consequences of poor leadership and ineffective representation. I have the skills and knowledge to step up and be that voice advocating for those who are often unheard.

It breaks my heart to see our kids leave the state for better opportunities, better schools, better healthcare, and better jobs. I miss my own children every day. As a mother and grandmother, this is vital to me. We can do better. That's what I'll fight for every single day.

I grew up in Maryland, spending my summers on a working dairy farm. Those experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for rural life and the values of hard work, community, and connection to the land. These values are the foundation of who I am today.

As a student, I faced significant challenges in school. I struggled to focus and felt trapped in an educational system that didn’t support my needs. After years of being told I could do better if I just tried harder, I left high school and didn’t return until I was in my twenties.

Fifty years ago, I moved to West Virginia and found my true calling helping children with special needs. I went to college and, with the support of some incredible teachers, I developed the structure I needed to succeed. This experience fueled my drive to advocate for kids facing similar challenges.

I have spent my entire adult life working with organizations that improve the lives of people in our communities, as a teacher in the school system, a board member of Carnegie Hall and the United Way, and a volunteer helping to clothe, feed, and house people. Greenbrier County is my home.

As the mother and wife of combat veterans, I understand the sacrifices our soldiers and their families make, both on and off the battlefield. As some of you might know, there is a special kind of hell having your child in a war zone.

I will work hard to be your voice in Charleston, working for solutions that benefit our community. Together, we can create a future that embodies the values that best represent the people in our district.