BOONE COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The West Virginia Republican Party today announced a historic milestone: Boone County has officially flipped Republican in voter registration for the first time in recorded history.
For generations, Boone County stood as THE Democrat stronghold, rooted in the region’s deep ties to organized labor and the coal industry. It was one of just a handful of West Virginia counties that voted for President Obama in 2008.
That legacy makes this moment not only significant but truly encapsolates how transformative this shift is. Today’s news reflects a profound political realignment that has been building across southern West Virginia for more than two decades.
“This is a massive moment for my home, Boone County,” said Chairman Josh Holstein, who represents Boone County in the West Virginia House of Delegates. “In the past few election cycles, local Republican candidates have earned the trust of Boone County voters at the ballot box and now that trust has been reflected in voter registration as well. This represents more than numbers but it represents confidence in leadership and a recognition of what Boone County voters have known for years: Democrats don’t represent every day West Virginians anymore.”
Chairman Holstein added, “I am especially proud to have led this effort here at home alongside so many grassroots activists who have worked to flip Boone County for decades. For the last decade, I have worked to register voters across Boone County, and to see this transformation take place in my county is incredibly meaningful. Boone County voters have sent a clear message: they want leadership that stands up for coal and energy independence, supports local jobs, protects their freedoms, and respects their way of life. The Republican Party will always be proud to stand with them.”
Boone County Republican Party Chairman Lee Barker also praised the news, stating, “This moment is the result of years of hard work by grassroots conservatives across Boone County. Voters here have watched the direction of the Democratic Party and made a deliberate choice to move toward Republican leadership that better reflects their values. This is a proud day for our county and we’re just getting started.”
Boone County Commissioner Jeff Petry said, “The recent voter registration numbers showing Republicans now outnumbering Democrats in Boone County mark a historic moment in our county’s history.
While political trends and party registration numbers make headlines, I believe the real message from the people of Boone County is much simpler. They want leaders who listen, who are accessible, who are fiscally responsible, and who are focused on getting things done. They want common-sense local government while accounting for conservative values.
As a conservative, I believe in responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, limited government, accountability, supporting law enforcement and first responders, and creating opportunities for economic growth and I feel this change reflects that’s what citizens of Boone County want as well.
This historic political shift is not simply about one party gaining ground over another. It is about citizens demanding results, expecting accountability, and believing that common-sense leadership can make a difference. I am honored by the trust that has been placed in me, and I look forward to continuing the work of building a stronger Boone County for future generations standing on conservative values for our people.”
Statistics:
- Democrat registration has fallen by 4,901 voters since 2016, dropping from 9,788 registered Democrats to 4,887 today—a decline of 50.1%.
- Republican registration has increased by 2,932 voters since 2016, growing from 1,960 registered Republicans to 4,892 today—an increase of 149.6%.
- In 2016, Democrats held a registration advantage of 7,828 voters over Republicans. Today, Republicans have entirely wiped out this advantage.
- Democrats accounted for nearly 70% of registered voters in 2016. Today, they account for just 35.96%.
- Republicans accounted for only 13.94% of registered voters in 2016. Today, they account for 36.00%.
