CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The West Virginia Republican Party (WVGOP) says new voter registration data shows an increase in Republican registration and a decline in Democratic registration across the state in March.
According to a WVGOP press release issued April 2, 2026, the party reported that Republicans added 3,842 new voters statewide between February and March.
During the same period, Democratic registration declined by 861 voters. Overall voter registration increased by 2,022 voters.
“These numbers confirm what we’ve been seeing on the ground for years — West Virginia is solidly Republican, and that trend is only accelerating,” said WVGOP Chairman Josh Holstein.
The release states that Republican gains were seen across multiple regions of the state, while Democratic losses were most pronounced in southern West Virginia.
“These are counties that were once Democratic strongholds,” Holstein added. “Today, they are some of the most conservative counties in the nation and voter registration is catching up to that reality.”
The data cited in the release also indicates declines among other voter categories, including a decrease of 858 voters classified as “Other” and a reduction of 164 voters registered as unaffiliated or with no party.
According to the figures provided, Republicans account for 42.89% of registered voters in West Virginia, totaling 512,980 voters.
Democrats account for 27.42% with 327,881 registered voters, while unaffiliated or no-party voters exceed Democratic registration by nearly 14,000.
“This isn’t a temporary shift — it’s a generational realignment that will continue,” Holstein said. “West Virginians trust Republicans to fight for their jobs, their values, and their future. We’re going to keep earning that trust every single day.”
The release also notes that the deadline to register to vote ahead of the May primary election is April 21. To participate in the Republican primary, voters must be registered Republicans, according to the WVGOP.
State election officials have not independently verified the figures cited in the release.
