Critical Races in Ruby-Red West Virginia: Governor and Congress Hang in the Balance

In the heart of ruby-red West Virginia, all eyes are on the upcoming primary election set to take place on Tuesday. With critical races for governor and Congress hanging in the balance, the Mountain State is poised for a new wave of leadership.

Former President Donald Trump’s overwhelming victory in West Virginia in 2020 set the stage for what could be a historic election cycle. After this primary, West Virginia may find itself without any Democrats in Congress for the first time since 1921.

“The thing about West Virginia is our primary election on Tuesday is effectively the election,” said Sam Workman, the director of the West Virginia University Institute for Policy Research and Public Affairs.

Despite Senator Joe Manchin’s decision not to seek reelection, outside spending in West Virginia has continued to grow. The Senate race in West Virginia is now the fourth most expensive primary race this season, according to Open Secrets.

The race for governor is heating up, with six Republicans vying for the nomination as Governor Jim Justice is term-limited and eyeing a Senate run. The field includes familiar faces in West Virginia politics, such as state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey and former state Rep. Moore Capito.

On the Democratic side, Huntington Mayor Steve Williams is running unopposed for governor.

In the Senate race, Justice’s entry has all but ensured the seat will remain in Republican hands. His top competitor, Rep. Alex Mooney, is facing an uphill battle against the popular two-term governor, who has the backing of the National Republican Senatorial Committee and former President Trump.

The winner of the Senate race will face the Democratic candidate who emerges from the primary, with Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott and former coal company CEO Don Blankenship among the contenders.

In the 1st Congressional District, incumbent Rep. Carol Miller is facing a primary challenge from Derrick Evans, a former lawmaker who was charged in connection with the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

The 2nd Congressional District is also up for grabs, with State Treasurer Riley Moore among the contenders to replace Mooney, who is running for Senate.

As West Virginia gears up for a pivotal primary election, the state is poised for a political shakeup that could have far-reaching implications for its future.