PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release September 3, 2026
West Virginia Democratic Party Questions Beanard's Fitness for Office Following Domestic Battery Charge
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Democratic Party today questioned whether Republican House of Delegates candidate Justin Matthew Beanard has the judgment and temperament to serve in public office following reports that he is facing a domestic battery charge involving his father.
According to a criminal complaint reported by The Parkersburg News and Sentinel, Wood County sheriff’s deputies responded to a domestic incident involving Beanard and his father, Timothy Beanard. Timothy Beanard told authorities that his son shoved him while entering the home and that, because he was recovering from knee surgery and unable to maintain his balance, he fell against a wall and a washer. The responding Deputy reported that there was “a dent near the dryer.”
According to the complaint, a deputy reported that Justin Beanard said he had “shoulder checked” his father while entering the house and caused him to fall. When another deputy specifically asked Beanard whether he had shoulder checked his father, the complaint says Beanard confirmed that he had.
Beanard was subsequently charged with domestic battery. A hearing is scheduled for September 23 in Wood County Magistrate Court. The charge remains pending, and Beanard is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin said the allegations raise serious questions about Beanard’s fitness to serve in the House of Delegates.
“I can't imagine doing something like this to your own father, particularly knowing that he was recovering from knee surgery,” Pushkin said. “My father passed away some time ago, and I know I'd give anything to have just one more minute with my dad.”
The domestic battery charge follows a previous encounter with the criminal justice system. In September 2024, Beanard pleaded guilty in Wood County Magistrate Court to leaving the scene of an accident and was fined $226.48. A separate no-insurance charge was dismissed as part of a plea agreement.
Christopher Jones, the Democratic nominee opposing Beanard in House District 10 in the November election, said the two incidents raise questions voters should consider.
“A guilty plea for leaving the scene of an accident, coupled with this latest charge of domestic battery, paints a disturbing picture of someone who doesn't have the judgment or temperament we should expect from a member of the West Virginia Legislature,” Jones said. “The people of District 10 deserve a representative who will accept responsibility, exercise good judgment, and conduct himself in a way that reflects the trust voters place in public officials.”
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