Byron Tucker Jr.

Byron Tucker Jr. is the Democratic candidate for the West Virginia House of Delegates, District 49, in the November 3, 2026 general election, running against Republican Newt McCutcheon for a seat with no incumbent.[1][3] In a Ballotpedia survey, he described himself as a retired mine inspector with more than 40 years of experience in coal mining, workplace safety and labor advocacy.[2]

Byron Tucker Jr. is a Nicholas County native who, he said in a Ballotpedia survey, graduated from Nicholas County High School in 1980 and went straight to work in the coal mines.[2] He said he worked underground as an industrial electrician and mechanic and later moved into roles focused on equipment, inspections and safety.[2] In 2004 he joined West Virginia Miners' Health, Safety & Training to teach hazard recognition and emergency response, and he later served with the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) until retiring in 2020 after a stroke.[2]

Tucker said he has served with UMWA Local 8843 and AFGE Local 3181 and as a volunteer firefighter, and that he teaches miner safety part-time.[2] He was unopposed in the May 12, 2026 Democratic primary.[1] In the survey, he said he wants more transparency and accountability from elected representatives.[2]

Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21. Not yet independently fact-checked.