Campaigns

In 2016, state Representative Stephen Slesnick was term-limited after serving in the House since 2008.^{[3][permanent dead link]} West was one of two Democrats to declare interest in the seat, along with Joyce-Healy Abrams, the daughter of William J. Healy, who represented the seat for twenty-five years, and granddaughter of William J. Healy II, who had also represented the seat and was the former Mayor of Canton.^{[4][permanent dead link]} Healy-Abrams herself had run for Congress against Bob Gibbs in 2012, losing a close race. Despite her name recognition, West ended up winning by 110 votes.^[5]

West defeated Republican Dan McMasters 57% to 43% in the general election.^[6] He was sworn in on January 3, 2017.

West increased his margin of victory in his 2018 reelection, defeating Republican candidate James Haavisto 58% to 42%. West defeated Haavisto again in a rematch in 2020.^[7]

In reapportionment following the 2020 Census, West's district was redrawn with lines more favorable to Republicans.^[8] In the 2022 election, West lost his re-election bid to Republican candidate Jim Thomas.^[9]

Committees and Caucuses

West served on the following committees: Health, Criminal Justice, Finance, Aging and Long Term Care, Finance Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and the Joint Medicaid Oversight Committee.^[10] In November 2020, West was elected President of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus.^[11] In addition to his legislative committees and caucuses, West also received gubernatorial appointments to the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood, Ohio Advisory on Aging, and the Governor's Executive Workforce Board.^[12]