Democratic Candidates for U.S. Senate Hope to Succeed Manchin in West Virginia

Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate in West Virginia are gearing up for a tough battle to keep the seat blue in a solidly red state. With the retirement of long-time Senator Joe Manchin, Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott, community organizer Zachary Shrewsbury, and former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship are vying for the Democratic nomination.

Elliott, a two-term mayor of Wheeling, believes he can bridge the gap between conservative and progressive Democrats to bring bipartisanship back to Washington. He is focused on issues like childcare, retirement security, tax reform, and protecting union rights. Elliott also advocates for federal protections for abortion access in light of recent Supreme Court decisions.

Shrewsbury, a Marine Corps veteran and community organizer from Princeton, is running on a platform of compassion and progressive policies. He aims to address the opioid crisis, advocate for universal healthcare, and transition the southern coalfields to renewable energy sources like solar power.

Blankenship, a controversial figure in West Virginia politics, is making a surprising move by running as a Democrat after previous runs as a Republican. He is focused on strict immigration policies, reducing foreign interventions, and prioritizing American interests over global conflicts.

With the U.S. Senate seat in West Virginia seen as a safe bet for Republicans, these Democratic candidates face an uphill battle to keep the seat blue. The primary election in May will determine who will face off against either Governor Jim Justice or Congressman Alex Mooney in the general election. Stay tuned for more updates on this closely watched race.