West Virginia state Treasurer Riley Moore has won a heated Republican primary in his home state by a wide margin, making him the likely candidate to represent the state’s 2nd Congressional District after the November general election. Moore’s victory came despite a contentious mudslinging contest between his campaign and that of former Air Force Brig. Gen. Chris “Mookie” Walker, who placed third in the primary. Moore hails from a West Virginia family with a history of public service, including his grandfather and aunt who held political offices. He has been a vocal opponent of “woke” environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing standards and ran on a platform of America First policies, earning an endorsement from former President Trump in February 2023.
Moore’s win in the primary solidifies his position as the likely next member of Congress from West Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District, as election analysts rate the race as either “solid” or “safe” Republican. In the upcoming general election in November, Moore will face Democratic nominee Steven Wendelin, a Navy veteran. Moore has been in office since 2016, when he was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates, and later as state treasurer in 2020. Throughout his tenure, Moore has opposed ESG investing standards that he believes prioritize political agendas over financial considerations, particularly in the fight against climate change. His stance on these issues, as well as his support for America First policies, has garnered him a significant following among voters in West Virginia.
Despite a close and contentious primary campaign, Moore emerged as the clear winner, leading his opponents by more than 25 points when the race was called by the Associated Press. The primary contest between Moore and Walker was marked by negative attacks and mudslinging, with both campaigns spending similar amounts of money on the race. Moore’s win in the primary further cements his status as a rising star in West Virginia Republican politics, following in the footsteps of his family members who have held high political offices in the state. His victory sets him up for a potentially successful run in the general election, where he will likely face off against Wendelin, the Democratic nominee, in a race that election analysts predict will favor the Republican candidate.
With his victory in the Republican primary, Moore is poised to become the next member of Congress from West Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District, continuing his family’s legacy of public service in the state. His strong showing in the primary, despite a competitive field of opponents, underscores his popularity and appeal among West Virginia voters. Moore’s platform of America First policies and opposition to ESG investing standards has resonated with many constituents in the state, as evidenced by his successful campaigns for the House of Delegates and state treasurer. As he gears up for the general election in November, Moore will face off against Wendelin, the Democratic nominee, in what is expected to be a closely watched race for the congressional seat.
In the lead-up to the general election, Moore will have the opportunity to further outline his policy priorities and vision for representing the people of West Virginia in Congress. His track record as a state treasurer and member of the House of Delegates, as well as his strong stance on issues such as ESG investing and America First policies, will likely feature prominently in his campaign messaging. With the support of key figures in the Republican Party, including former President Trump, Moore is well-positioned to secure a victory in the general election and assume office as the next member of Congress from West Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District. As the campaign progresses, voters in West Virginia will have the chance to evaluate Moore’s platform and determine if he is the right candidate to represent their interests in Washington, D.C.
