Former President Donald Trump achieved his third consecutive presidential election win in West Virginia on Tuesday. This victory adds four electoral votes to his total, although the state now has one fewer electoral vote due to the loss of a congressional seat after the 2020 census. West Virginia is one of only two states where Trump triumphed in every county during both the 2016 and 2020 elections.
Trump’s Dominance in West Virginia
Trump has maintained strong support in West Virginia, winning every county in both the 2016 and 2020 elections. The state has not backed a Democratic presidential candidate since Bill Clinton’s victory in 1996. Currently, the Republican Party controls all statewide partisan positions in West Virginia. At 7:30 pm EST, The Associated Press declared Trump’s victory in the state.
Republican Success in Other Races
In addition to Trump’s win, Republicans achieved another significant victory in West Virginia. Jim Justice secured the Senate seat previously held by Joe Manchin, creating a 50-50 tie in the chamber. This win further solidified Republican dominance in the state.
Governor’s Race: Patrick Morrisey Triumphs
In the governor’s race, Republican Patrick Morrisey, with Donald Trump’s endorsement, won the election. Morrisey, who has been West Virginia’s attorney general since 2013, focused on conservative issues such as abortion and transgender rights in sports during his campaign. His victory marks only the third time a Republican has been elected to a first gubernatorial term in the state since 1928. Morrisey’s previous role in leading lawsuits against opioid manufacturers and his firm stance on abortion rights played a key role in securing his win. His opponent, Democrat Steve Williams, struggled to gain significant support outside of Huntington.