Shawn Young Sworn In Early to Fill Vacant City Council Seat

BUCKHANNON, WV — May 21, 2026 — The City of Buckhannon announces that Shawn Young has been sworn into office early to fill an existing vacancy on the Buckhannon City Council. Young’s election to a full four‑year term was officially certified by the Upshur County Commission on May 21, 2026, following the municipal election held on May 12, 2026. Among the twelve candidates, Young received the most votes, with 209 ballots cast in his favor.

With the vacancy deserving attention, Mayor Robbie Skinner administered the oath of office to Young shortly after certification. During the brief ceremony, Mayor Skinner welcomed Young to the Council and expressed appreciation for his willingness to serve the community.

Young, joined by his wife Cari and his mother, thanked the voters for their support and acknowledged the encouragement he received from family, friends, and community members throughout the election. He noted the positive interactions he had with current Council members during the campaign and expressed his commitment to working collaboratively for the good of the city.

Young also recognized former Council member Dave Thomas for more than two decades of service to Buckhannon, offering his respect for Thomas’s long tenure.

A lifelong Upshur Countian, Young grew up in French Creek and now resides in Buckhannon. A 2013 graduate of Buckhannon-Upshur High School, he lettered in football and track and was voted “Most Likely to Succeed” by his classmates. He went on to build a respected career in electrical construction, rising from apprentice to supervisory roles before being elected President of IBEW Local 596, where he represents approximately 400 electrical workers. He also serves as Secretary of the WV AFL-CIO North Central Labor Council.

Young’s volunteer service includes coaching youth football in Buckhannon, coordinating Toys for Tots gift distribution, running SkillsUSA Electrical Construction state competitions, and regularly donating blood. Outside of work and service, he enjoys football, baseball, and marathon training along the Buckhannon Riverwalk.

Young and his wife Cari are expecting their first child in July, a milestone he said further motivates his dedication to Buckhannon’s future.