CHARLESTON – As expected, a red wave of Republican victory again rolled over West Virginia on election night.
Donald Trump, Jim Justice and Patrick Morrisey scored Mountain State victories in their campaigns for president, U.S. Senate and governor. All three races were called within minutes of West Virginia polls closing at 7:30 p.m.
With 99 percent of precincts statewide reporting, Trump led Vice President Kamala Harris by a 70-29 margin. Outgoing Governor Justice led former Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott 69-28 in the Senate race, and outgoing Attorney General Morrisey led outgoing Huntington Mayor Steve Williams 62-31 in the gubernatorial race.
In the state's two U.S. House of Representative races, incumbent Republican Carol Miller led Democrat Chris Bob Reed and Independent Wes Holden 66-26-7 in the 1st District race, and Republican Riley Moore led Democrat Steve Wendelin 71-29.
The GOP domination extended to the other statewide offices as well.
In other statewide races, Republican J.B. McCuskey led Democrat Teresa Toriseva in the race for Attorney General by a 70-30 margin, Republican Kris Warner led Democrat Thornton Cooper 71-29 in the Secretary of State race, Republican Mark Hunt led Democrat Mary Ann Roebuck Claytor 69-31 in the auditor race, and incumbent Republican Kent Leonhardt led Democrat Deborah Stiles in the Agriculture Commissioner race 69-31. Republican Larry Pack was unopposed in the Treasurer race.
“It’s hard to explain how humbling it is to have the people of West Virginia hire you as their lawyer,” McCuskey told The West Virginia Record. “I’m unbelievably excited to zealously advocate for the values of West Virginians, the rights of West Virginians and for the people of West Virginia.”
Also, the vote on the constitutional amendment to protect state citizens against medically assisted suicide was 50-50 with the vote just slightly in favor of passage of the amendment.
Republicans also increased their supermajorities in both the state Senate and House of Delegates. The GOP now has a 32-2 majority in the Senate and a 91-9 advantage in the House.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you, West Virginia, thank you so much,” Justice said at his victory party, which was held at The Greenbrier resort. “It has been the honor of my life to serve as governor, and now, I will proudly represent you in the U.S. Senate. As a patriot and a conservative, I firmly believe in America's greatness and am committed to putting America and West Virginia first in the U.S. Senate.
“In the U.S. Senate, I will fight to make sure the America First agenda, which is good for West Virginians, is a priority. … It is my absolute highest honor to now serve West Virginia as a Republican Senator in the U.S. Senate.”
National Republican Senate Committee Chairman Steve Daines hailed Justice's victory.
"Congratulations to Governor Jim Justice on officially becoming West Virginia’s next United States Senator," Daines said. "Jim served the people of West Virginia well as their governor, lowering taxes and creating opportunity in all parts of the state. I know he will continue to do the same in the Senate, and we are looking forward to having Big Jim and Baby Dog in D.C.”
Senate Leadership Fund President and CEO Steven Law also congratulated Justice on his victory.
"The Senate map would have looked much tougher if Senator-elect Justice hadn’t answered the call to run," Law said. "We were proud to be day-one supporters of Senator-elect Justice's effort and look forward to his presence (along with Baby-Dog) in the United States Senate.”
Republican Governors Association Chair and Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee congratulated Morrisey on his victory.
“Governor-Elect Patrick Morrisey has proven himself as a relentless defender of West Virginia’s conservative values and a national leader in the fight against the Biden Administration,” Lee said. “His unmatched record, from securing one of the largest victories against the deep state in the West Virginia v. EPA case to bringing over $1 billion in opioid settlements to fight the drug epidemic is a testament to his commitment to fighting for West Virginians.
“Patrick Morrisey has demonstrated time and again that he will deliver real results. His conservative leadership has made a profound impact. The RGA is proud to congratulate Governor-Elect Patrick Morrisey, and we look forward to supporting his efforts to continue leading the Mountain State forward.”