Who Am I?

Below is a brief overview of my background. The details are brief for there’s not much to tell. I am not a career politician— I am just a man who loves God, loves people, loves our state and country, and has a sincere desire to serve my community.

I was born and raised in Sissonville, West Virginia. Around the age of 23, my family and I moved to North Carolina, where we spent nearly two decades. It was there at the age of 26 that my life was transformed when I was born again. More than eight years ago, the LORD led us to this community, where I was called to serve in my second pastorate as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Belmont. A position I love and gladly labor in still today.

For the past eight and a half years, I have faithfully served our church and this community. During that time, we have put down roots. I have celebrated life’s joys alongside my neighbors and stood with them in seasons of sorrow. I am deeply grateful for the LORD’s hand in leading us here, and for the many blessings He has graciously poured out upon us in this place.

Why Am I Running?

At the end of January, Delegate Barnhart was appointed to the vacated State Senate seat with the retirement of Senator Boley. I was then approached by some of the leaders in the community about the possibility of running for this delegate seat to represent our district.

When asked, I didn’t hesitate as I believe that now the Lord’s appointed time.

I am running because:

  • Our nation & state has drifted from its foundation in God.

    • Too often, leaders profess Christian faith yet lack the courage to stand firmly on Biblical principles. Some remain silent out of concern for their reputation, others compromise their convictions to protect their position or advance to higher office. Lastly, there are those who profess Christianity, but simply in truth are not.

  • We have an Education problem:

    • West Virginia ranks at or near the bottom in every academic statistic in the nation

  • We have a Child Care problem:

    • WV ranks #1 in the nation for foster care entry / removal

      • Note: *THIS IS EIGHT TIMES THE NATIONAL AVERAGE

    • WV ranks in the top 3 for ‘grand-families’ - children being raised by either grandparents and even great-grandparents

  • We have an Addiction problem:

    • Drugs - #1 in the nation for opioid deaths

    • Gambling - WV has one of the highest gambling machine-per-resident, per-capita in the nation: 1 to 150-200 residents - comparable to Nevada & Illinois

      • Note: *Gambling expanded under Republican controlled state legislatures

    • Smoking - WV ranks #1-2 annually in the nation averaging 20-25% of adults smoke - double the national average (11-12%). This is devastating considering that WV also ranks in the bottom 3 in the nation in income & wealth.

    • Alcohol - WV ranks above average in alcohol related deaths & liver disease

What all this speaks to is the fact that We Have a God Problem in this state

“Almost Heaven” is not enough

I am running to do what I can to bring God and Biblical values and principles - what made our nation great to begin with - back into our government as our founding fathers expected it to be. I fear that if we continue to forsake God, we will inevitably see Him forsake our nation.

I view this office as field of ministry - a mission - where I can not only be a vote, but a voice in the promotion of Biblical, conservative values for the betterment of our society at large, our children and children’s children.

Scott McGraw - pastor FBC of Belmont, candidate for WV House of Delegates, District 9

Below you will find a summarized list of principles that will guide my decisions

Guiding Principles

Contact

If you have questions, or concerns or a word of encouragement, I would love to hear from you! Please fill out the form and if you’re interested in receiving updates on the campaign, please ‘sign up for news and updates’.