West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey Wins Republican Nomination for Governor

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey has secured the Republican nomination for the state’s gubernatorial race, beating out a crowded field of conservative candidates. According to a projection from Decision Desk HQ, Morrisey emerged victorious over contenders such as businessman Chris Miller and former state lawmaker Moore Capito.

A recent Emerson College Polling/The Hill survey revealed that Morrisey held a slight lead over Capito in the days leading up to the primary, but his support had dipped while Capito’s had grown. Despite the close race, Morrisey is now expected to be the Republican candidate in the race to succeed current Governor Jim Justice, who is running for Senate.

Morrisey, who has served as West Virginia’s Attorney General since 2012, will now shift his focus to the general election where he will face off against Democratic candidate Huntington Mayor Steve Williams. The gubernatorial race has seen a spotlight on transgender issues, with conservative candidates trying to differentiate themselves on the topic.

The emphasis on transgender issues in the campaign surprised some strategists in a state that has already implemented strict measures against gender-affirming healthcare for minors and transgender student athletes. Despite the focus on this issue, the Emerson poll found that concerns about the cost of living and border security were more prominent among West Virginia Republicans.

As Morrisey prepares for the general election, the spotlight will continue to be on the key issues facing the state and how the candidates plan to address them in their campaigns.