From the Well: Election Wrap-up

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Election Wrap-up

May 15, 2024

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·     In November, the state will elect a new Governor, Attorney General, Auditor, Secretary of State, and Treasurer, all members of the Board of Public Works. Agriculture Commissioner Kent Leonhart won his party’s nomination Tuesday and will seek to remain on the state Board of Public Works.

·     Attorney General Patrick Morrisey will be the Republican nominee for Governor, facing Huntington Mayor Steve Williams, a former member of the Legislature.

·     Kris Warner will seek to succeed his brother Mac Warner as Secretary of State. Mac Warner lost Tuesday in his gubernatorial bid.

·     Auditor J.B. McCuskey will be on the general election ballot for Attorney General in his bid to replace Attorney General Morrisey. Auditor McCuskey had an overwhelming win Tuesday over state Senator Mike Stuart.

·     Justice administration official Larry Pack of Kanawha County ran unopposed in the Republican primary for Treasurer. He will be unopposed in November.

·     In the state Auditor’s race, state Senator Mark Hunt of Kanawha County won his party’s nomination.

·     West Virginia Senate President Craig Blair of Berkeley County lost his re-election bid. A new Senate President will take charge in 2025. The Senate President is responsible for appointing committee chairs and other leadership positions. President Blair’s loss prompted speculation about his successor.

·     Governor Jim Justice prevailed in the U.S. Senate primary against Congressman Alex Mooney from the Eastern Panhandle. Governor Justice will face Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott in the November general election. Click here to read WVMetronews coverage.

·     Incumbent Treasurer Riley Moore won the Republican Party’s nomination for the November primary in his quest to serve as the state’s Second District member of Congress.

·     The state Supreme Court of Appeals will see a new face. Senator Charles Trump of Morgan County was unopposed Tuesday and is scheduled to take office in 2025.

Attorney General Patrick Morrisey seeks to become state’s chief executive. (WVMetroNews)

Candidates step toward new assignments. (WVMetroNews)

U.S. Representative Carol Miller wins Republican primary in her bid to remain in Congress. (WVMetroNews)

Senate President Craig Blair of Berkeley County lost in the Republican senatorial Primary that included three contenders. Tom Willis received 44.3% of the votes to Blair’s 32.2%. Candidate Michael “Mike” Folk, a former state Delegate, receivied 23.4% of votes. Mr. Willis will face Democrat Anthony Murray in November. WVMetroNews focused here on upsets in the Senate.

Senator Rucker emerges winner

In another closely watched Eastern Panhandle race, incumbent Senator Patricia Rucker of Jefferson County defeated challenger House Speaker Pro Tempore Paul Espinosa by about 90 votes. Rucker will face former Delegate John Doyle in November. That senatorial district includes Jefferson and parts of Berkeley County.

Senator Weld holds off challenger

Senate Judiciary Vice Chair Ryan W. Weld of Brooke County defeated challenger Scott Adams for the 1^st Senatorial District seat, with Weld getting 64.8% of votes. No Democrat contender filed in the district.

Senator Maroney falls to challenger

Senate Health Chair Mike Maroney of Marshall County lost to Chris Rose, who received 61.9%t of GOP votes. No Democrat contender filed in the senatorial district.

Long-serving Senator Swope defeated

Senator Chandler Swope of Mercer County lost to challenger Craig A. Hart. Senator Swope received 36.9% of votes to Hart’s 40.8%. Former Delegate Eric Porterfield receiving 22.3% of votes. Mr. Hart faces Democrat challenger Randy Fowler in November.

Senator Karnes loses to challenger Robbie Morris

Senator Robert L. Carnes of Upshur County lost to challenger Robbie Morris, who received 65.8% of votes.

Senator Nelson holds off challenger Delegate Pritt

Kanawha County Senator Eric Nelson defeated challenger Delegate Chris Pritt for the 17^th State Senate seat, which includes parts of Kanawha County . Senator Nelson, the incumbent, garnered 57.6% of the votes to Delegate Pritt’s 42.3%. He faces Democrat challenger Bill Lepp in the General Election.

 Senator Randy Smith coasts to victory

Senate Chair Energy, Industry and Mining Randy E. Smith of Tucker County won re-election. Although he had no Democrat Primary Election opposition, Mountain Party candidate Becky Orndorff-Sayers received 19 votes.

 5 Senators unopposed

Incumbent Senators Donna J. Boley of Pleasants County, who has the longest continuous service in the Legislature, was among seven senators who were unopposed on the GOP ticket.

Here is a look at additional unopposed candidates:

·     Senate Education Chair Amy Nicole Grady of Mason County will face Democrat contender Dwayne Russell in the general election.

·     Senate Finance Vice Chair Rupie Phillips of Logan County will not face an opponent in November.

·     Senate Economic Development Chair Glenn D. Jeffries of Putnam County will not have a fall opponent.

·     Senate Government Organization Chair Jack David Woodrum of Summers County will face Democrat contender Mandy Smith Weirick in the fall.

·     Senator Patrick S. Martin of Lewis County will not have a Democrat opponent in the fall.

Senator Plymale’s seat up for grabs

GOP contender Scott Fuller will face challenger Ric Griffith, a Wayne County House of Delegates member, for the Fifth Senatorial District. That seat is currently held by Senator Robert H. Plymale, who did not seek re-election.

Seat held by Senator Roberts draws GOP, Democrat contenders

GOP newcomer Brian Helton was unopposed in his bid for the seat being vacated by Senator Rollan A. Roberts of Raleigh County. Mr. Helton will face Christy Cardwell in the general election.

Delegate Garcia only contender for Senate

Although elected, GOP Senate candidate Johnathan Board withdrew from the Senate race when he was appointed administrator of the state’s Intermediate Court, The GOP may support a candidate for the seat. Delegate Joey Garcia is seeking that position currently held by outgoing Senator Mike Caputo of Marion County.

House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, getting 71.5% of the vote, easily defeated two challengers. House District 62 includes parts of Clay, Calhoun, and Gilmer counties.

Zatezalo defeats challenger Slates

Incumbent GOP Delegate Mark Zatezalo received 63% of the GOP primary election vote in House of Delegates District 2, which includes Hancock County, fending off GOP challenger Michele Slates. Delegate Zatezalo’s challenger is Olivia Dowler, who ran opposed in the Democrat primary.

Delegate Winzenreid loses GOP primary race

Delegate Diane Winzenreid of Ohio County, appointed by Govenor Jim Justice to fill a vacancy in House of Delegates District 4, lost in the GOP Primary to Bill Flanigan, who received 61.2% of the vote. Mr. Flanigan will face Jonathan “Johhny” Haught, who ran unopposed in the Democrat primary. Former Delegate Erikka Storch was the long-time Republican Delegate representing the Ohio County district.

Stephens prevails in neck-to-neck race with contender Padlow

Delegate Jeff Stephens of Marshall County received 1,220 votes (50.7%), while Jason “Jake” Padlow received 1,186 votes (49.2%).

House Judiciary Committee Vice Chairman survives challenge

Tyler County Delegate David L. Kelly, who serves as House Judiciary Vice Chair, received 73.8% of the votes in Delegate District 8, which includes Tyler County, defeating GOP challenger Dave Shelton.

Incumbent Moore wins open GOP Roane County Delegate slot

Erica J. Moore of Roane County, winning 65.5% of the GOP primary vote, defeated challenger R. Martin “Rick” Atkinson. Delegate Moore was appointed to the position to replace a Roane County Delegate who resigned.

‘Happy Joe’ Parsons prevails for Jackson County House seat

R. Frederick “Happy” Joe Parsons of Jackson County, receiving 47.9% of the vote, defeated two challengers for the Jackson County Delegate seat formerly held by Delegate Steve Westfall, who chose not to seek re-election. Julianna Penfold is the Democrat challenger in the general election for House of Delegates District 16.

Pinson easily overcomes GOP Primary Election challenge

Jonathan Adam Pinson, garnering 77.5% of the GOP Primary Election vote for House of Delegates District 17, defeated challenger Adam Roush.

Incumbent Kathie Hess Crouse wins GOP primary

Putnam County Delegate Kathie Hess Crouse of Putnam County defeated challenger Debbie Deweese. Delegate Crouse received 53.2% of the vote for House of Delegates District 19.

Newcomer Sarah Drennan secures vacated seat

Sarah Drennan, receiving 53% of the GOP Primary Election vote, will run for the seat formerly held by Delegate Geoff Foster of Putnam County, who did not seek re-election. Her challenger was Jacob Losh.

Delegate Linville receives 50.9% of GOP primary vote

Incumbent House of Delegates Technology Chair Daniel Linville of Cabell County received 50.9% of the vote in House District 22 to challenger Aaron Holley’s 49.3%.

Delegate Dillon easily defeats GOP challenger

Delegate Henry Corbin Dillon of Wayne County easily defeated challenger Nate Randolph, garnering 66.4% of the vote. Delegate Dillon’s challenger will be Wayne “Bug” Williamson.

Former Delegate Eldridge defeated in effort to return to House

Delegate David “Flimsy” Adkins of Lincoln County defeated Jeff Eldridge, a former House of Delegates member, to become GOP House of Delegates candidate for the 30^th Delegate District. Adkins received 57.6% of the vote. Adkins’s Democrat challenger in the general election will be Britiney Brogan.

Mingo County Delegate Dean wins over two challengers

Incumbent Delegate Mark Dean of Mingo County defeated two challengers to become the GOP nominee for House District 34. He received 44.3% of the vote.

Long-time Summers Delegate Roy Cooper wins primary

Summers County Delegate Roy Cooper, securing 67.3% of the vote, defeated challenger John Fain to secure the GOP nomination for House of Delegates District 40. James W. “Jim” McNeely will be his opponent in November.

Incumbent Campbell prevails in Greenbrier County GOP primary

Delegate Jeff Campbell received 52.8% of the vote to win the Republican nomination for House District 46, which includes Greenbrier County. Governor Jim Justice appointed Delegate Campbell to the seat last year. Democrat Paul S. Detch is running for the seat in the November general election.

Former Delegate Canterbury gets GOP primary nod

Former House of Delegates member Ray Canterbury defeated two GOP opponents to secure the GOP nomination for House District 47, which includes Greenbrier County. Former Delegate George “Boogie” Amber was one of three candidates seeking the nomination. Mr. Canterbury’s Democrat general election opponent is Kayla M. McCoy.

House Health Vice Chair Tully defeated

Delegate Heather Tully, who served as House Health Vice Chair, was defeated for the GOP nomination for House of Delegates District 49, which includes Nicholas County. Her challenger, Stanley S. Adkins, received 53.6% of the vote. Adkins’ Democrat challenger will be Jean Nutter.

Marshall Clay wins 52.4% of vote

Marshall W. Clay is the GOP candidate for House of Delegates District 51. That seat is currently held by House Judiciary Chair Tom Fast, who was successful in election as a Fayette County Circuit Judge position. Mr. Clay’s challenger is Robyn Kincaid.

Republican candidate Howell wins nomination

GOP candidate Teresa Howell, securing 64.6% of the votes, defeated challenger Greg Ingram to secure the GOP nomination to House of Delegates District 52, which includes Fayette and part of Kanawha County. Howell’s Democrat opponent in the general election will be Thomas Jones.

Tristan Leavitt secures nod for GOP District 53

Tristan Leavitt won the Republican Primary in GOP district 53, which is located in Kanawha County. He defeated opponent Terry Burns. Leavitt’s Democrat challenger will be Chris Smith.

R. Mark Carter wins GOP primary in Kanawha County

R. Mark Carter defeated challenger Ernest Blevins to secure the GOP Primary nod for Kanawha County District 57. Mr. Carter received 40.8% of the vote, besting two challengers. The seat is currently held by Delegate Hollis T. Lewis, who won the Democrat primary.

House Government Organization Chair Phillips wins

House Government Organization Chair Chris Phillips, given 67.4% of the vote, easily defeated GOP challenger David Critchfield. Delegate Phillps represents District 68.

Incumbent Keith Marple defeats challenger

Incumbent Keith Marple defeated challenger Danny Hamrick, former House Education chairman, to become GOP candidate for House of Delegates District 69, which includes parts of Harrison County and Lewis County. Marple received 57.4% of the vote.

Bryan Smith wins House District 73 GOP primary

GOP candidate Bryan Smith defeated two challengers in the GOP Primary to represent House of Delegates District 73, which includes parts of Marion County and Taylor counties. Mr. Smith received 46.2% of the vote. That seat is currently held by House Health Chairman Amy Summers of Taylor County, who chose not to seek reelection.

Mallow holds onto House District 75

Incumbent Phil Mallow defeated challenger David Kennedy to win House District 75, which includes Marion County. Mallow received 56.6% of the vote.

Dobbs wins House District 76 primary

John Dodds, with 52.9% of the Republican primary vote, beat candidate Toby Heaney to represent House Delegate District 76, which includes Marion County. Mr. Dodds faces Democrat challenger Rick Garcia in the general election.

Preston County Incumbent Jennings defeats GOP challenger

Delegate D. Rolland Jennings of Preston County defeated challenger Justin Hough to be the Republican nominee for House of Delegates District 84. Delegate Jennings received 54% of the vote.

Incumbent Delegate Hott easily defeats challenger

Incumbent House of Delegates member John Paul Hott II of Grant County easily won the GOP primary as House of Delegates 85 District candidate.

Incumbent George Miller wins GOP nomination

George Miller, garnering 74.7% of the vote, is the GOP nominee for House District 90, which includes portions of Berkeley County and Morgan County.

Lisa White wins GOP Berkeley County primary

With 67.6% of the GOP Primary vote, Lisa White defeated challenger Tanner Rogers to represent House of Delegates District 96, which includes Berkeley County. The Democrat challenger in the November election will be Aniqua “Nikki” Lower. That seat is currently held by Delegate Eric l. Householder, who sought unsuccessful election as state Auditor.

Anders secures House Delegate District 97 victory

S. Chris Anders won 60.8% of the GOP primary vote to represent House of Delegates District 97, which includes parts of Berkeley and Jefferson counties. Delegate John Hardy represents the district, which includes parts of Berkeley County and Jefferson County. The Democrat general election challenger will be Lucia Valentine.

Funkhouser secures House District 98 vote

In a House District including Jefferson County, Delegate Joe Funkhouser won the GOP primary, earning 59.3% of the votes. Troy N. Miller will be the Democrat general election candidate. Delegate Paul Espinosa currently represents the District, which includes Jefferson County. Delegate Espinosa lost in a bid to secure the seat currently held by Senator Patricia Rucker.

Jefferson Delegate Clark bests two challengers

Given 45.7% of the GOP vote for House District 99, incumbent Delegate Wayne Clark of Jefferson County defeated two challengers to become the GOP candidate in the November election. Clark’s Democrat challenger will be Osmund Antonio Anderson.

·     August 11-13

·     September 8-10 (Parkersburg)

·     October 6-8

·     November 10-12

·     December 8-10