Hi, my name is Ally Layman – officially Allyson but my friends call me Ally – and I hope to be your next representative for West Virginia House of Delegates District 24.

I was born and raised in Huntington, WV. I have many fond memories of growing up here playing softball at League 5, attending school at Emmons and Highlawn Elementary, Enslow Middle School and Huntington East High School where both my parents were teachers. I was active in many school clubs and activities and in concert and marching band. I excelled in band where I was a member of the All Area and All-County Band and I was a Drum Major my senior year of high school. I attended Marshall University and Mount West – graduating with my Allied Health Degree and went on to become a Certified Phlebotomist working at Cabell Huntington Hospital.

My passion for helping others has led me to work as the Director of Development at Harmony House. I have gained a wealth of knowledge about community resources and what is needed to assist some of our most vulnerable West Virginians.

I have also worked for locally owned businesses and was the General Manager for Taps at Heritage Station. Working in Huntington has allowed me to meet and connect with new people and make new friendships. I also enjoy meeting people through some of my favorite activities such as sports, hiking, fishing and swimming. On Marshall game day you’ll find me tailgating for the Herd. Others will tell you I’m pretty outgoing and have never met a stranger! I love being around people, listening and learning from them. I’m passionate about our state and all it has to offer and want the best for all of its people.

Over the last couple of years, I have become devoted and more involved with various groups through memberships on the Mayor’s LGBTQ Advisory Committee, the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and am a Commissioner on the Huntington Human Relations Committee. I am a founding member and President of Huntington Pride. Together with our board we planned, raised funds, and worked hard as a team to put together Huntington’s first-ever Pride Festival in June of 2019. We successfully hosted over 5,000 people – LGBTQ+ and allies – for an energized fun-filled day of love and acceptance in the middle of Downtown Huntington! Creating and growing an environment of diversity and inclusion through acceptance, education, and changing minds with positivity has always been my goal.

I want to be your House of Delegates representative because I understand that responsive government requires every person to have a voice. I want to assure you that I will always be a positive voice of inclusion and advocate for what is best for our entire district. Each person has value no matter their position in life. I am an ally to the community and represent many faces of our community. I am a wife, a hard-working citizen, a daughter of school teachers, and have the ability to think outside the box to bring new ideas to create and foster positive change.

I understand the importance of listening before acting. Life experience has taught me the best decisions are those made after being well thought out. I’m Ally Layman and I’m running for West Virginia House of Delegates District 24. Check the box next to my name on Election Day.