They demand that we conduct the business of government in a way that reflects the trust they have given us, and that we treat citizens as the customers of government, not as its subjects.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to West Virginia Legislature
Feb 14, 2001
Don Blankenship:
I'm Trumpier than Trump, despite Trump opposition
President Trump took to Twitter to tell West Virginia Republicans not to support Blankenship. Trump tweeted, "To the great people of West Virginia we have, together, a really great chance to keep making a big difference. Problem is, Don Blankenship,
currently running for Senate, can't win the General Election in your State...No way! Remember Alabama. Vote Rep. Jenkins or A.G. Morrisey!"Blankenship reacted to Trump's Twitter criticism by issuing a written statement of response. "West
he doesn't know me and he doesn't know how flawed my two main opponents are in this primary. The establishment is misinforming him because they do not want me to be in the U.S. Senate and promote the President's agenda."
Source: NPR on 2018 West Virginia Senate race
May 8, 2018
Evan Jenkins:
A proud ally of our president Trump
Attorney General Patrick Morrisey filed for the US Senate [and his GOP primary opponent Evan] Jenkins issued a statement:"When Mountain State Republicans see Patrick Morrisey's name on their primary ballot this May, they will categorically reject his
notion that WV's next senator should be a profiteering D.C. lobbyist beholden to big drug companies, Planned Parenthood, and--most recently--Steve Bannon. And with $1.7 million in campaign debt, Morrisey's loyalties lie with them--not West Virginians,"
Jenkins said.
"Primary voters will also remember that Morrisey refused to stand with them two years ago when WV Republicans overwhelmingly chose Donald Trump to be our next president--and they won't send Morrisey back to Washington at a time when
President Trump and all West Virginians need a senator they can count on to represent Mountain State values. As a proud ally of our president--I am confident that my candidacy offers voters what they want and deserve in their next senator," Jenkins said.
Source: News & Sentinel on 2018 West Virginia Senate race
Jan 26, 2018
Jim Justice:
God is responsible for miracle of West Virginia
And every day--the definition of coincidence--an everyday occurrence in which God chooses to remain anonymous. Think about it. How in the world could a little state that's the poorest, how in the world could we absolutely charge to the front
like we've charged? How right behind all of that could we have handled what we handled in Covid like we've handled it? I'm telling you it is truly the miracle of West Virginia.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to West Virginia legislature
Feb 10, 2021
Jim Justice:
Shedding image of being uneducated, dusty, poor, backward
From 2020 through 2021, net migration is up for the first time in decades, with over 2,000 people moving into our state. We are shedding our image of being uneducated, dusty, poor, and backward. We are shedding our image of being bankrupt
and a place business cannot operate because of our legal system. Together, we will continue to shed the dead weight that has been holding us back for years so we can continue to climb higher and higher on our journey to prosperity in West Virginia.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to West Virginia legislature
Jan 12, 2022
Joe Manchin III:
We can only fix things by coming together
Manchin repeatedly stressed he is working for West Virginia, and its best interests, as a senator in the nation's capital. "Let me make it very clear the only team I belong to is team America, and team West Virginia.
I'm the most centrist senator in the Senate. I don't vote for the party, I vote for the issues. Always have, and I always will. I think West Virginia we have proved that you can only fix things by coming together," Manchin said.
Source: West Virginia Public Broadcasting on 2012 W.V. Senate debate
Oct 3, 2012
John Buckley:
Former Republican state legislator
In the United States Senate race, the perception is that the contest is just between the Democrat and the Republican, with the Republican in the lead. Not so. When you cast your vote, you'll get a chance to vote for me, John Buckley, the Libertarian.
I'm the third candidate in the race. I'm a former Republican state legislator (elected when I lived in Virginia 35 years ago--
I was just in my mid-20's), now running on the ticket of the Libertarian party.
While politics is usually portrayed as a contest of
Republican v. Democrat, conservative v. liberal, red v. blue, that's narrow, old-fashioned thinking. It's "analog" politics in a digital age.
Source: Charleston Daily Mail on 2014 West Virginia Senate race
Aug 12, 2014
John Buckley:
Cousin to William F. Buckley; long background in GOP
John Buckley, cousin to William F. Buckley, had a long personal background in Republican Party and conservative movement politics, including a stint running Young Americans for Freedom in the 1970s. He won a state legislative seat in Virginia in 1979.
He lost his seat after one term and says that "by the early '90s
I had soured on the Republican Party as a vehicle for expressing my political principles"--not because his principles had changed that much, or even that the Party's lip service stated principles had,
but that no Republicans seemed to act on the free-market side of their message.
Source: Reason magazine Q&A on 2014 West Virginia Senate race
Jul 24, 2014
John Buckley:
Elected as Republican to VA House; running as Libertarian
In politics, the voters are often far ahead of the political pundits. "Conventional wisdom" has to play catch up sometimes. That's what I think is happening in West Virginia this year. In the United States Senate race, the perception is that the contest
is just between the Democrat and the Republican, with the Republican in the lead. Not so. When you cast your vote, you'll get a chance to vote for me, John Buckley, the Libertarian.I'm the third candidate in the race.
I'm a former Republican state legislator (elected when I lived in Virginia 35 years ago--I was just in my mid-20's), now running on the ticket of the Libertarian party. I don't fit the narrow mold of most political commentators.
They just don't know what to make of me.
I'm for limited government and free enterprise; I'm also for peace and civil liberties; I support the freedom to marry as well as the freedom to carry. I believe in "live and let live."
Source: Charleston Daily Mail on 2014 West Virginia Senate race
Aug 12, 2014
Natalie Tennant:
55-county "Talk with Tennant" tour: represent W.V., not D.C.
Tennant, who announced in September her intention to seek the U.S. Senate seat being vacated with Democrat Jay Rockefeller's impending retirement, is currently participating in a 55-county "Talk with Tennant" tour.She visited Raleigh County last week,
and Tennant said the most common issue she is hearing across the state involves increasing flood insurance rates, which she largely blames on Rep. Shelley Moore Capito's actions. "What we've been seeing as we head around all 55 counties [is that] people
recognize there is a clear choice between someone who represents West Virginia and someone who represents Washington."
As a notable example of standing up for West Virginia interests, Tennant said she played an instrumental role in ensuring justice was
served when three elected Democratic officials tried to steal an election. As the chief election official, Tennant said her office conducted an 18-month-long investigation into the matter.
Source: Beckley Register-Herald on 2014 West Virginia Senate race
Mar 2, 2014
Pat McGeehan:
Constitutional conservative: pro-life, pro-gun and pro-coal
McGeehan responded to Natalie Tennant's recent announcement to run as a Democrat for Senate from W.Va. McGeehan stated, "Natalie Tennant jumping in this race only adds another candidate who is far too liberal for West Virginia.""West Virginians
deserve a constitutional conservative who is pro-life, pro-gun and pro-coal. Career politicians funded by special interest money are part of the problem in Washington, not the solution," explained McGeehan. "Natalie Tennant is out-of-touch with West
Virginia, and it's time to elect a Senator who will stand on principle and not with party."
"Harry Reid has handpicked his anti-coal, Obama-supporting candidate to run for Senate and it's time West Virginians stand together and say enough is enough,"
stated McGeehan. "Tennant's views align along with Barack Obama & Harry Reid--and we need someone who will obey their Oath of Office, not discard it."
McGeehan is the Tea Party favorite and has been endorsed by The National Republican Liberty Caucus.
Source: Huntington News on 2014 West Virginia Senate race
Sep 17, 2013
Paula Jean Swearengin:
Part of "Brand New Congress" to fight special interests
I am joining a team with hundreds of other candidates in a single campaign to rebuild our country. Brand New Congress candidates like Paula Jean Swearengin are completely funded by small donations.
As a Senator, Paula will be free to serve, rather than fundraise and meet with lobbyists. Paula will work for all Americans without pressure from corporations and special interests.
Source: 2018 West Virginia Senate campaign website PaulaJean2018.com
Jul 17, 2017
Paula Jean Swearengin:
When we unite for justice, we can accomplish our goals
On unity: "No one person or election will solve the systemic injustices that plague our society," said Swearengin. "But, together, we can stand in solidarity with the cause.""When we unite our fight for justice, we can accomplish our
goals," she added. "We can end systemic racism. We can guarantee healthcare as a human right. We can ensure every person has clean air to breathe and clean water to drink."
Source: Common Dreams on 2020 West Virginia Senate race
Jun 10, 2020
Paula Jean Swearengin:
We need Congress to do right, even if breaking with party
We've seen representatives from both parties who are bought and paid for by big corporations. We have to work together to get things done, but we also need a Congress that will do what's right, even if that means breaking with the party.
It means working with others to find real, lasting solutions. And it also means putting people over profits.
Source: The Herald-Dispatch on 2020 West Virginia Senate race
Apr 4, 2020
Richard Ojeda:
Democrats becoming more a party of elites
Ideological orientation: The man was identified as a traditional democrat who strongly took steps to maintain democracy.
He had a belief that democracy is drifting away and party is becoming more a party of elites.
Source: 2020 West Virginia Senate campaign website VoteOjeda.com
Jun 1, 2020
Shelley Moore Capito:
Declined to debate with 3rd-party candidates
It's looking unlikely that West Virginia's two main contenders for an open U.S. Senate seat will debate again before Election Day. Republican Shelley Moore Capito won't attend a West Virginia Public Broadcasting debate Friday.
Democrat Natalie Tennant, Libertarian John Buckley, Bob Henry Baber of the Mountain Party and Phil Hudok of the Constitution Party will participate.
Capito's campaign said the congresswoman will be on her previously scheduled bus tour. Capito and Tennant, West Virginia's secretary of state, debated last Tuesday in Charleston. Third-party candidates weren't involved. The two met for a
West Virginia Chamber of Commerce candidate forum at The Greenbrier in late August.
They are seeking retiring Democratic Sen. Jay Rockefeller's seat. The Friday morning debate will air in the evening.
Source: The Associated Press on 2014 West Virginia Senate debate
Oct 14, 2014
Stephen Noble Smith:
Wants to be an ally, not the face of any movement
Smith wants to be an ally, using his skills and influence to support the work of others. He does not want to become the face of any movement, because that usually doesn't work very well in the long term. "You don't get a Civil Rights movement led by
white folks. You don't get a women's movement led by men. You don't get an LGBT movement run by straight folks," Smith says. "The people who are hurting the most are best equipped to heal their own pain."
Source: WVLiving.com on 2020 West Virginia Gubernatorial race
Oct 9, 2018
Stephen Noble Smith:
We get what we want when we unite, build power to take it
His first organizing experience came [at] Harvard. In 1998, he joined in a fight to raise wages for the school's janitors, cooks, and security guards. They planned a sit-in [at] the building housing the president's office. Within a year, the university
increased wages and improved benefits. The experience taught him a powerful lesson: "You don't get what you want in politics by being smart or making good arguments," he said. "We get what we want when we unite and build enough power to take it."
Source: The Intercept on 2020 West Virginia Gubernatorial race
May 18, 2019
Woody Thrasher:
West Virginia is hurting, we need strong leadership
West Virginia is hurting. We need strong leadership. We're losing population at an alarming rate. We need our roads fixed. We need broadband and school choice. We need more and better jobs. We must protect the unborn and fight the drug epidemic.
I'm a conservative who will always protect our values. West Virginians can have the American dream--do better than the previous generation and help our kids so they can, too. This is the West Virginia I see and I will fight for.
Source: Williamson Daily News on 2020 West Virginia governor race
Mar 24, 2020
Woody Thrasher:
If elected, I'll put my businesses in a blind trust
Justice has acknowledged he lives in Lewisburg, a city about 100 miles from the governor's mansion in Charleston but not far from his resort. "No other governor has refused to play by the rules like this. We just can't trust Jim Justice to uphold his
oath of office. I'll put my businesses in a blind trust, focus 100% on serving as Governor & proudly live in the mansion, as our Constitution says," Thrasher wrote on Twitter.
Source: Dayton Daily News on 2020 West Virginia gubernatorial race
Mar 5, 2020
Zane Lawhorn:
We're seeping into era of chaos, as foretold in the Bible
Even with the onslaught of terrible daily news reports--from mass killings to natural disasters, to government shutdowns--there are some who deny that the world is becoming increasingly chaotic, says Zane Lawhorn. "You'll hear people rationalizing what's
going on in the world as 'not all that different' from earlier times. The claim is that 24-hour global news programs magnify bad news in a way that's unprecedented. But I tend to view the bad news as just that--bad news," says Lawhorn.
"Our leaders can't work together; the government seems always on the verge of shut down--or is shut down; spending is out of control; socialist tariffs dictate what's to be our health-care system; maniacs with deadly weapons target public places
on what seems to be a regular basis--and that's just what's going on within our borders. We're seeping into an era of chaos, just as foretold in the Bible." Now is the time for individuals and families to prepare for deepening chaos, he says.
Source: Albany Journal on 2014 West Virginia Senate race
Oct 12, 2013
Mac Warner:
A constitutional conservative and America-First patriot
Mac Warner is READY to go to battle for you. He is a constitutional conservative and America-First patriot. Mac stands strong for:- Freedom
-
Liberty
- Conservative values
- Individual responsibility
While politicians and bureaucrats in D.C. ignore us and try to change our way of life, Mac will fight back and forge a new, better path forward for West Virginia.
Source: 2024 West Virginia Gubernatorial website MacWarner.com
Jun 6, 2023
Mac Warner:
We don't want 87,000 new IRS agents
Secretary of State Mac Warner emphasized both public service and a battle against "woke" Washington, D.C. Warner has been Secretary of State since 2017. He is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and served in the Army for 23 years as a
Judge Advocate General's Corps officer. Warner, the state's chief elections officer, was the subject of controversy in 2020 when he held a "Stop the Steal" sign at a
Charleston rally for supporters of President Donald Trump. Warner supported a lawsuit challenging election results in four swing states and he has continued questioning how some states conducted their elections in 2020.
[In his campaign announcement speech], he aimed at cultural hot button issues, saying he would defend West Virginia from the "woke" agenda in Washington, D.C.
Source: WV MetroNews on 2024 West Virginia Gubernatorial race
Jan 10, 2023
Moore Capito:
Faith, family and freedom are nation's foundational values
Moore is running for Governor not only to preserve our West Virginia Values, but expand them for future generations to come. Faith, family and freedom are the foundational values our nation is built on. West Virginia will always be a safe haven
for them. Together, we can build a West Virginia that makes our young people proud to call home, that leads our country back to energy independence, and champions freedom to conduct business how you want.
Source: 2024 West Virginia Governor campaign website MooreCapito.com
Jun 20, 2023
JB McCuskey:
A proud conservative, lawyer, business owner & man of faith
J.B. McCuskey announced his bid to become the state's next governor. McCuskey is in his second four-year term as State Auditor and has also served two terms in the House of Delegates. "I'm a husband and father. I'm a proud conservative, lawyer,
business owner & man of faith--but most importantly, I am one of you," McCuskey tweeted. "I'm a mountaineer who understands real life in West Virginia. That's why I'm proud to announce my candidacy to be the next governor of West Virginia."
Source: Washington Examiner on 2024 West Virginia Gubernatorial race
Feb 28, 2023
Moore Capito:
Need to be proud of spiking the football when we have a win
Capito touted his efforts to help recruit Republicans in the last state election, efforts that resulted in the largest Republican supermajority in the state's history. As a result of that margin, he said lawmakers were able to implement the largest set
of tax cuts in the state's history. He said he was also proud of his vote in the last session to redesign the state's K-3 education curriculum, passing legislation that puts aides in as many of those classrooms as possible.Capito is no stranger to
politics. But as he hits the campaign trail, he warned listeners not to vote for his name, but his vision.
"Nobody is harder on themselves than West Virginians. We're just starting to feel good about what we're doing in West Virginia. We need to be
proud of spiking the football when we have a win. That's what the outside sees -- that we're succeeding because we are succeeding. But if we don't tell our story, nobody is going to hear it and that's why I'm excited to get out and tell our story.
Source: WVVA News on 2024 West Virginia Gubernatorial race
Apr 5, 2023
Steve Williams:
Vote for me as the best person, not because I'm a Democrat
Q: You were described as a non-partisan, reach-across-the-aisle Democrat who believes in limited government and free market principles. If elected governor you will likely be inheriting a Republican supermajority in the legislature.
How will you be able to work with them to get things done? A: I was part of a group that was considered business, conservative Democrats. And if we need to work on some we'd work with the leadership.
But the reality was, we would go over to the Republicans, and they were a super minority. They had more than we have right now as Democrats. But we would go over and say, "This is what we're working on."
I am a proud Democrat. But I have never, ever asked anybody or indicated to anyone that they should vote for me because I am a Democrat. Vote for me, because you see that I'm the best person. Period.
Source: Mountain State Spotlight on 2024 West Virginia Governor race
May 17, 2024
Glenn Elliott:
Seventh Generation West Virginian and Mayor of Wheeling
Q: Who are you? Tell us about yourself.A: I am a seventh Generation West Virginian currently serving in my second term as Mayor of my hometown of Wheeling. My first job [was] as a legislative assistant for then-Senator Robert Byrd. This experience
was a formative one, allowing me to witness firsthand the successes attainable through strategic compromise, along with the reward of public service. Inspired, I enrolled at Georgetown University Law Center. By 2008, after working as an attorney,
I was--candidly--burnt out and seeking something more meaningful. At age 38, I returned home to Wheeling in search of a more impactful career. Before long, I purchased a vacant historic bank in the heart of downtown and made improving my city a personal
quest. Today, that building houses two law firms along with me, my wife Cassandra, and our son Harrison. I ran for Mayor in 2016 because I felt Wheeling had all the essential ingredients of a great city but was lacking in strategic vision.
Source: Candidate Connection on 2024 West Virginia Senate race
Aug 8, 2024
Steve Williams:
Make No Little Plans: expect more out of ourselves
Q: What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?A: Freedom is on the ballot. We will set standards that the rest of the nation will seek to emulate. We must expect more out of ourselves.
We can compete with anyone in the world. In order to compete and to be a top producing state we have to be aggressive in our aspirations and again expect to set standards that the rest of the nation will seek to follow.
We create unimaginable success by being collaborative and placing aside political parties and insist on results. My mantra is "Make No Little Plans".
We need to challenge ourselves to make a difference in each other's lives.
Source: Candidate Connection: 2024 West Virginia Gubernatorial race
Aug 8, 2024
Alex Mooney:
Work with religious organizations to service those in need
Q: RELIGIOUS LIBERTY: What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?A: Congressman Mooney believes it is the governments duty to protect religious liberty for all Americans. Government should not interfere in the free exercise of religion.
Government should work with religious organizations which provide essential services to those in need.
Q: Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs?
A: Strongly Disagree. Congressman Mooney introduced a bipartisan resolution that protects all Americans' right to act in accordance with their sincerely held religious beliefs. Furthermore, it condemns any action by federal, state, or
local governments that attempt to abridge that right. The resolution was supported by the Family Research Council, the American Center for Law and Justice, and the Liberty Institute.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2024 West Virginia Senate race
May 14, 2024
JB McCuskey:
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality
Q: Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which permitted our system of limited government?A: Strongly Agree
Q: The Ten Commandments should not be displayed in public school buildings?
A: Strongly Disagree
Q: Religious freedom is our most foundational freedom and deserves added protection in our state and federal constitutions.
A: Strongly Agree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide 2014 West Virginia Rep Dist.35 race
May 13, 2014
Mac Warner:
Born-again Christian; I live by John 3:16
Q: Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.A: Born-again Christian. I live by John 3:16. I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, who was conceived by the
Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and buried. He descended into Hell. On the third day
He rose again from the dead, He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2024 West Virginia Gubernatorial race
May 14, 2024
Shelley Moore Capito:
Voted to confirm her son as United States Attorney
The United States Senate confirmed a slate of around 100 nominees to the Trump Administration, among them former gubernatorial candidate Moore Capito. Moore Capito's mother, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito was among those voting in favor of the slate. "West
Virginians are fortunate to have two individuals of such high integrity and proven commitment to public service confirmed to serve as United States Attorneys," she said. She did not mention her relationship to Moore Capito in her comments.
Source: Mountain State Spotlight on 2026 West Virginia Senate race
Oct 16, 2025
Tom Willis:
Protect right to live according to your faith
I will protect your right to worship, speak, and live according to your faith without fear of government punishment or censorship.
I will stand firmly against the radical left's push to remake America. No gender ideology, no forced conformity, no mandatory pronouns. We need a revival of faith, family, and freedom.
Source: 2026 West Virginia Senate campaign website TomWillis.com
Oct 23, 2025
Tom Willis:
Campaign slogan: "Veteran, Businessman, Father"
Willis has consciously built his campaign less on his policy ideas, which tend to follow the typical conservative program, than on his biography. On his campaign website, his varied roles ("Veteran, Businessman, Father") are featured prominently, and
one has to dig a little to learn his stances on the issues. Interestingly, the Republican party does not appear to be mentioned at all, although Willis does compare himself to President Donald Trump ("a fellow outsider") and promise to be "the
biggest supporter of the President's agenda to grow our economy, keep taxes low, and restore law and order to our immigration system."He bills himself as a soldier first and foremost, driven to serve by a
sense of duty. "You look around and see things and they're not right," he said. "We have some major needs in our country and it is going to take some people with integrity."
Source: Task & Purpose e-zzine on 2018 West Virginia Senate race
May 3, 2025
Page last updated: Feb 06, 2026