CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The West Virginia Democratic Party announced a historic surge in candidate filings this weekend, fielding one of the largest and most diverse Democratic slates in recent state history and ensuring voters across West Virginia will have broad choices on the ballot this November.
As the filing deadline closed Saturday night, Democrats had candidates in at least 90 of 100 House of Delegates seats, 17 of 19 State Senate seats up for election, and dozens of county-level races statewide. In total, Democrats are running five candidates for U.S. Senate, two in the First Congressional District, three in the Second Congressional District, 22 State Senate candidates, 109 House of Delegates candidates, and 45 candidates for county offices.
Party leaders also highlighted a record-breaking number of women filing to run as Democrats for the Legislature — a figure expected to grow as the West Virginia Secretary of State continues processing mailed filings postmarked before the deadline.
Party Chair Mike Pushkin said the surge reflects months of organizing and grassroots momentum across the state. He credited an aggressive recruitment strategy combining modern technology with direct, peer-to-peer outreach and praised party leadership, elected officials, and volunteers for their efforts.
“Each of these people, and many others, stood up to get the job done,” Pushkin said. “I could not be more proud. The Democratic Party understands what’s at stake for the state and the nation and is giving people a real choice when they vote this November.”
Pushkin also emphasized that while Republicans closed their primary to independent and unaffiliated voters, Democrats continue to welcome their participation and offer competitive races up and down the ballot.
He argued voters are increasingly frustrated with what he described as chaos and broken promises from Republican leadership, citing economic uncertainty and threats to programs like Medicaid. “People want sane, steady leadership,” Pushkin said. “They want stability, their rights protected, and leaders focused on real issues that affect their families.”
Democrats also pointed to Republican recruitment struggles this cycle, noting Republicans failed to field candidates in more than half the seats currently held by Democratic incumbents. Pushkin said that gap reflects weak organization and enthusiasm, adding that Governor Patrick Morrisey’s recruitment efforts fell short.
State Senator Joey Garcia praised the growing slate of Senate candidates, saying they are focused on affordability and “kitchen-table issues that matter most to working families.”
Delegate Kayla Young highlighted the record number of women candidates, noting West Virginia currently ranks last nationally in women elected to the state legislature. “This year, we’re excited to break a new record with the number of women on the ballot,” Young said. “We look forward to electing more women to be a strong voice in the House and State Senate.”
With filing numbers finalized and enthusiasm building, Democratic leaders say the party is positioned to compete statewide this fall, arguing that organizing everywhere is the key to winning anywhere in West Virginia.
