Former West Virginia Coal Executive Don Blankenship Files to Run as Democrat for U.S. Senate

Former West Virginia coal executive Don Blankenship is making headlines once again, this time by filing paperwork to run as a Democrat for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin. Blankenship, who previously ran for the same seat as a Republican in 2018 and lost by a wide margin, has stirred controversy with his entrance into this year’s race.

The state Democratic Party has quickly distanced itself from Blankenship, with West Virginia Democratic Party Chairman Mike Pushkin stating that Blankenship does not represent the values of the party. Despite this, Blankenship has two primary challengers as he seeks the Democratic nomination.

Blankenship’s past includes serving a year in federal prison after being found guilty of conspiring to violate safety standards at a West Virginia mine before a 2010 explosion that killed 29 men. The U.S. Supreme Court denied a request by Blankenship to review the conviction in 2022.

The candidate has been a polarizing figure among voters, with some viewing him as self-centered and ruthless, while others see him as assertive and a man of integrity. In his announcement of candidacy, Blankenship stated that he opposes illegal immigration, is concerned about the nation’s drug crisis, and believes transgender individuals should not be allowed to use bathrooms or compete in sports according to their gender identity.

Blankenship’s attempt to align himself with former President Donald Trump during his 2018 campaign by portraying himself as “Trumpier than Trump” adds another layer of intrigue to his political journey. As he embarks on this new chapter as a Democratic candidate, Blankenship aims to bring what he calls sensible, moral, and pro-American policy back to the forefront.

With the May 14 primary approaching, all eyes will be on Blankenship as he navigates the challenges and controversies surrounding his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat in West Virginia.