Morgantown, West Virginia — Ace Parsi, an Iranian immigrant and community organizer from Morgantown, narrowly won the Democratic primary for West Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District, setting up a general election challenge against Republican Rep. Riley Moore.
The Associated Press called the race Wednesday afternoon following Tuesday’s election. Preliminary results showed Parsi receiving 17,696 votes, narrowly ahead of Fairmont teacher Stephanie Spears Tomana, who earned 16,908 votes. Navy veteran Steve Wendelin finished third with 9,980 votes.
Parsi immigrated to the United States from Iran with his family when he was eight years old. He has said the family fled Iran to escape authoritarian rule and avoid military conscription facing his older brother. Before entering the race, Parsi worked with iCivics, a national civics education organization.
Speaking after the race was called, Parsi reflected on what he described as the significance of going from an immigrant fleeing authoritarianism to becoming a congressional nominee in the United States. He said his campaign would focus on improving opportunities for future generations and encouraging broader civic engagement.
Tomana declined to concede immediately, saying every valid vote should be counted before the election is officially finalized.
Parsi will now face incumbent Republican Riley Moore in November. Moore advanced without opposition in the Republican primary. Parsi said he hopes to hold public town hall debates across the district during the general election campaign.
Sources:
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
