CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Candidates in Charleston’s mayoral race say they’re ready for Tuesday’s Primary Election.
Democratic candidates Amy Shuler Goodwin and Andy Richardson were each out greeting voters Monday night.
Richardson hosted a Get-Out-The-Vote event at TSG Consulting along the Kanawha Boulevard Monday night before heading to a City Council meeting.
Goodwin and her supporters were along MacCorkle Avenue in Kanawha City waving at passing cars.
“Thank you!” Goodwin shouted while waving a ‘Goodwin for Mayor’ sign. “I love this. I love the engagement. People are so excited about this election because they really want change. They want new energy. They want new leadership and they want a new direction. That’s what I’m going to give to them.”
This is Goodwin’s first time running for public office. She previously served as the state Tourism Commissioner.
She said she plans to be a hands-on mayor who is always out in the community.
“This is what I need to be showing them. This is the candidate I’m going to be and this is the mayor I’m going to be. I’m going to be out there. I’m not going to talk the talk. I’m going to walk the walk,” Goodwin said.
Richardson, speaking to MetroNews earlier in the day, said he’s confident and “energized” heading into Tuesday’s election.
“We’re getting very positive feedback from supporters. I have a sense that our voters are getting out to vote,” Richardson said. “We’ve put together a plan. We want to get back to the basics. I’m ready to lead the City of Charleston.”
He said his message is “resonating” with the people of Charleston when it comes to improving public safety and creating jobs in the Kanawha Valley.
Richardson said he believes his challenged race with Goodwin has prepared him more for the job.
“I’m especially pleased that my opponent and I have conducted a clean campaign with each other. We’ve talked about positive ideas and I’m ready for whatever the future brings,” he said.
The winner of Tuesday’s election will become the Demoncratic nominee in the November General Election.
Republican candidate J.B. Akers and Independent candidate Andy Backus are each running unopposed.
Mayor Danny Jones is not seeking re-election. He plans to retire at the end of his fourth term in Jan. 2019.
Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.