West Virginia Republicans in Primary Struggle with Election Denialism

West Virginia Republicans in Primary Struggle with Acknowledging Biden’s Win

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – In the upcoming primary elections in West Virginia, Republican candidates are facing a tough challenge when it comes to openly acknowledging President Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 election. The state, known for its loyalty to former President Donald Trump, has become a battleground for candidates who either embrace or skirt the line on election denialism.

The unspoken checkoff among Republicans running for governor and Congress in West Virginia is the denial of the election outcome. Praise for the party’s presumptive White House nominee is constant among candidates, including a convicted Jan. 6 insurrectionist and the sons of two GOP members of West Virginia’s congressional delegation.

Glenn Elliott, a Democratic candidate for an open Senate seat, described denying the election outcome as a “purity test” for West Virginia Republicans. He criticized the party for requiring candidates to align with the leader on every issue or risk being labeled a “RINO” (Republican In Name Only).

In the crowded governor’s race, Secretary of State Mac Warner firmly believes, like Trump, that the election was stolen, despite numerous court rulings and audits confirming Biden’s victory. Warner has made controversial statements about the election, alleging a cover-up of incriminating information found on Hunter Biden’s laptop.

Other candidates in the race have either hedged their responses or avoided directly addressing the issue of Biden’s win. Attorney General Patrick Morrisey has raised concerns about irregularities in the election but has not explicitly stated whether he believes Biden won. Businessman Chris Miller, the son of U.S. Rep. Carol Miller, expressed distrust in mail-in ballots but did not confirm Biden as the legitimate winner.

Former state lawmaker Derrick Evans, who spent time in prison for his involvement in the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, has launched verbal attacks against his primary rival, calling her a “commie RINO” and an “undocumented Democrat.” Despite his controversial past, Evans believes his support for Trump and claims of a stolen election will resonate with voters.

The West Virginia governor’s race has also seen candidates aligning with Trump on key issues like supporting the coal industry and opposing Biden’s policies. The fundraising front-runner, Patrick Morrisey, has criticized his main competitor, Moore Capito, for her family’s ties to the political establishment.

Governor Jim Justice, who is running for the Senate seat held by Democrat Joe Manchin, is the only candidate to receive Trump’s endorsement in the primary race. Despite disagreements with Trump on certain issues, Justice has maintained a loyal following in the state.

As the primary election approaches, the debate over the 2020 election outcome continues to divide Republican candidates in West Virginia. The issue of acknowledging Biden’s win remains a contentious topic among contenders vying for key positions in the state’s government.

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