Candidate Name:
Paula Jean Swearengin
Candidate’s Preferred Pronouns
She
What office are you running for?
United States Senate
With which party are you running for office?
Democratic Party
Election Date
Primary: May 13, 2020
Why are you running for office?
People are dying and starving in my state. I am part of local and national coalitions, such as West Virginia Can’t Wait and Brand New Congress, that are helping get true public servants elected to positions that will amplify our voices and bring issues to the forefront.
What is the biggest issue facing your community and how do you propose helping?
I can’t single out one issue. Every issue affecting the lives of the people of West Virginia is of great importance. Our state needs economic diversity, real solutions to the addiction epidemic, and healthcare to mention a few. These things are accomplished by working with people in the frontlines of our communities and across the country. The solutions are very nuanced and can be quite complex.
How do we fix the partisan divide in our country and start working together again?
By electing those who truly want to serve the people and not corporations and their lobbyists. We need people that live in the heart of our communities serving us. Who better to serve us than us? People across the country are tired of the lesser of two evils. As a servant of the people I would dispense with the partisan hateful rhetoric and pursue policies that benefit every American equally.
Who is your hero?
We don’t need any more heroes. My mentors taught me that there is power in numbers and leaders empower more leaders.
What are your hobbies?
After I became an activist for the people I never really found time for hobbies. For almost 20 years I have devoted myself to being a voice for the people of Appalachia as a whole and, most importantly, my family. I am a single mom and a new grandmother. I want to make the world a better place for my children and my children’s children.
What is the most recent book you read?
Plundering Appalachia
Do you have any kids/pets/talking houseplants?
4 kids, 1 grandchild, 4 cats, a dog and 1 of my cats considers herself my dogs pet.
How can our readers get involved in your campaign?
We are always looking for volunteers and people to spread the word to their friends and families about our campaign, and of course donations, no matter how small, are always GREATLY appreciated because #TeamPaulaJean is 100% people funded.
What question do you wish we’d asked, and what is your answer?
What is your stance on candidates accepting corporate and/or corporate PAC money?
I feel that any candidate that accepts corporate and/or corporate PAC money, or dark money, cannot be beholden to the people over their corporate masters. When I get to Washington I will be accountable ONLY to THE PEOPLE!
Candidate Social Media:
Post created from answers submitted by candidate to our Meet the Candidate survey.
