CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — Overall, the 2024 General Election was a Republican night, but Democrats have a few rays of hope.
One of the highlights for West Virginia Republicans is they keep control of all six constitutional officers who are collectively known as the State Board of Public Works. It includes everyone from the governor to the commissioner of agriculture.
On the other hand, Democrats held two hotly contested seats in the House of Delegates and had a new win for a seat in the State Senate. And, former Secretary of State and Democrat Natalie Tennant became the first woman ever elected to the Kanawha County Commission. This could be a rebuilding start for Democrats.
“If folks can look at this as a way that we can show what our ideas and policies are, then they might go ahead and run also,” said Commissioner-Elect Natalie Tennant, (D) Kanawha County.
“It really shows that you can win as a Democrat in this state. You had Sallie Robinson won for assessor here in Kanawha County. Democrats that have good messages and good campaigns, you know it’s tougher for them, but they can make a difference. But the party’s got to support them and they’re going to have to rebuild the party,” said Tom Susman, WMOV Radio Political Analyst.
And now that Governor Jim Justice will be joining Shelley Moore Capito in the U.S. Senate, it marks the first time in 66 years that West Virginia will have two Republicans serving in the U.S. Senate at the same time.
In the West Virginia legislature, Republicans gained one seat in the State Senate and two seats in the House of Delegates.
