West Virginia Republicans are facing a primary election where many candidates are hesitant to acknowledge that President Joe Biden won the 2020 election. Embracing or skirting around election denialism has become a common practice among Republican candidates in the state, which has strong loyalty to former President Donald Trump. The notion of denying the election outcome has become a test of loyalty for West Virginia Republicans, with candidates feeling pressure to align with Trump on this issue to avoid being labeled as “Republicans In Name Only,” or RINOs.
In the governor’s race, Secretary of State Mac Warner has publicly stated that he believes, like Trump, that the 2020 election was stolen, despite multiple court rulings and audits confirming Biden’s victory. Warner has made claims about a cover-up involving tech companies, the media, and federal intelligence officials in relation to information found on Hunter Biden’s laptop. Other candidates in the race have also expressed skepticism about the election results, with varying degrees of directness. Attorney General Patrick Morrisey has cited “irregularities” in the election, while businessman Chris Miller has voiced concerns about mail-in ballots.
Former state lawmaker Derrick Evans, who participated in the Jan. 6 insurrection and spent time in prison, is using his allegiance to Trump and denial of the election outcome as a key campaign strategy. He has attacked his primary rival, U.S. Rep. Carol Miller, labeling her as a “commie RINO” and an “undocumented Democrat,” despite her alignment with Trump on House votes. Evans sees his role in the Capitol riot as a badge of honor and believes it will resonate with voters who support Trump. Carol Miller has not directly addressed the 2020 election results but emphasizes her Republican credentials in the race.
In the gubernatorial race, all major candidates are united in their support for West Virginia’s coal industry, tougher penalties for fentanyl dealers, and economic development. There is a division among candidates regarding the approach to the 2020 election results, with morrisey invoking the “RINO” label against his opponents. Congressman Alex Mooney, who is challenging Governor Jim Justice in the primary, has also criticized Justice for supporting the bipartisan infrastructure act. Despite disagreements with Trump, Justice remains a popular figure in the state and has received Trump’s endorsement. Mooney, on the other hand, has questioned the fairness of the 2020 election.
As the primary election approaches, the issue of acknowledging the 2020 election results continues to be a point of contention among West Virginia Republican candidates. The influence of Trump and loyalty to his claims about the election being stolen are shaping the dynamics of the races, with candidates navigating how to align themselves with these positions. The division among candidates reflects broader tensions within the Republican Party nationally, as candidates seek to appeal to Trump’s base while also addressing the concerns of voters who may have differing views on the election results. The outcome of these primary races will provide insight into the direction of the Republican Party in West Virginia and its relationship with Trump moving forward.
