Beverly Whaling is the former Mayor of Clay, West Virginia. She took office in 2015. Whaling, although Republican, was considered a progressive mayor in the town, and is criticized for being left-wing. Beverly also ran for Mayor in 2011 but lost to local businessman Ryan Clifton.

The town has about 500 people.

Whaling was part of a 2016 controversy over a supportive comment she made to a post about Michelle Obama's departure from office as First Lady. Whaling resigned November 15, 2016 in the wake of the scandal.

On November 13, 2016, Pamela Ramsey Taylor posted a racially motivated post about Michelle Obama on Facebook following Donald Trump's election as President.

Pamela had posted, "It will be so refreshing to have a classy, beautiful, dignified First Lady back in the White House. I'm so tired of seeing a Ape in heels."

Clay Mayor Beverly Whaling replied with, "Just made my day Pam".

The post went viral on social media and both officials have been prompted to be fired from their positions.

Whaling resigned from her position after the scandal made national headlines, and made a statement to the media,