Ohio County Democratic Party leaders say keeping Senator Byrd will help West Virginia and especially the Northern Panhandle.

Sen. Byrd made his announcement seeking a ninth term in the U.S. Senate in the West Virginia State House on Tuesday. This campaign could put Senator Byrd in a record ninth term of the senate.

Over his 47 years in the Senate, Senator Byrd has built up seniority. Many people feel the Senator uses his status in ways that help West Virginia.

Senator Byrd is 87-years-old and local democratic leaders say keeping him in the U.S. Senate is good for West Virginia.

"Anything we need money in the northern panhandle, Senator Byrd makes sure we are always cut in with a piece of the pie. When you're talking about Byrd, he is a senior member of the Appropriations Committee," said Ohio County Democratic Co-Chair, Shane Mallett.

In June, Sen. Byrd will become the longest serving member in U.S. Senate history.

Ohio County Republican Chair Scott Reed say he respects the changes Sen. Byrd made in the past, but West Virginia needs a change for the future. Reed says Sen. Byrd can expect a tough race from the Republican side.