West Virginia Governor Jim Justice, a Republican running for Senate, is one of several high-profile candidates in the state seeking a change in political office. With his term ending, Justice has set his sights on Washington, where he hopes to unseat Democratic Senator Joe Manchin in a state that strongly supported former President Donald Trump. Justice, a former Democrat who switched parties in 2017, is the front-runner for the GOP nomination, facing competition from Rep. Alex Mooney and several other Republican candidates.
Another notable candidate in the West Virginia Senate race is Don Blankenship, a Democrat who previously ran as a Republican in 2018 and was convicted in connection to a coal mine explosion that resulted in 29 deaths. Blankenship is running against Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott and Marine Corps veteran Zach Shrewsbury for the Democratic nomination. Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, the 2018 Republican nominee for Senate, is running for governor, along with other notable candidates like Chris Miller and Moore Capito, sons of current congressional members.
The primary election in West Virginia also includes races for governor, multiple statewide offices, and the 2nd Congressional District, as well as the presidential primaries where Donald Trump and Joe Biden are expected to win easily. Registered Democrats and Republicans can only vote in their respective party primaries, while independent or unaffiliated voters can choose which primary to participate in. The delegate allocation rules for the Democratic primary follow standard party rules, while all 32 delegates in the Republican primary will go to the winner.
In the governor’s race, the candidates are vying for the state’s conservative base, with Morrisey, Capito, and Miller leading in spending and appeal. On the Democratic side, Elliott has Manchin’s endorsement, giving him an edge in the primary. Blankenship, with a significant ad campaign, is appealing to independents, while Shrewsbury focuses on progressive and working-class issues. Turnout for the primaries is expected to be in line with past elections, with a significant number of votes already cast in advance of Election Day.
Vote counting in previous elections has been efficient, with most results reported shortly after polls close. The Associated Press will cover the primary races in West Virginia and declare winners based on confirmed results. Overall, the primary election in West Virginia is shaping up to be competitive, with high-profile candidates vying for Senate, governor, and other offices, setting the stage for potential changes in the state’s political landscape.
