CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) – Overall, the 2024 general election was a Republican night, but Democrats have a few radiant spots.
One of the highlights for West Virginia Republicans is that they retain control of all six constitutional officers, collectively known as the State Board of Public Works. It includes everyone from the governor to the agriculture commissioner.
On the other hand, the Democrats held two hotly contested seats in the House of Representatives and were able to win another 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 up-to-date beginning for Democrats.
“If people see this as an opportunity to show our ideas and policies, then they might as well run,” said Kanawha County Commissioner-elect Natalie Tennant (D).
“It really shows that you can win as a Democrat in this state. They hired Sallie Robinson to be an assessor here in Kanawha County. Democrats who have good messaging and good campaigns know it’s harder for them, but they can make a difference. “But the party has to support them and they have to rebuild the party,” said Tom Susman, political analyst at WMOV Radio.
And with Gov. Jim Justice now sitting alongside Shelley Moore Capito in the U.S. Senate, it is the first time in 66 years that West Virginia will have two Republicans 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.
