Democratic Party announces historic slate of candidates for 2026
PRESS RELEASE:
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Democratic Party announced an historic surge in candidate filings today, fielding one of the largest and most diverse Democratic slates in recent history and ensuring voters across West Virginia will have meaningful choices on the ballot this November.
As of the close of the filing deadline Saturday night, Democrats have candidates in at least 90 of 100 House of Delegates seats, 17 of 19 State Senate seats up for election, and numerous county commission races statewide. West Virginia Democrats are fielding five candidates for U.S. Senate, two for the first congressional district, three for the second congressional district, 22 for the State Senate, 109 for the House of Delegates and 45 for county level offices. Finally, a record number of women have filed to run for the legislature as Democrats, with totals expected to grow as the West Virginia Secretary of State continues to process mailed filings postmarked before the deadline.
Party Chair Mike Pushkin said the surge reflects months of focused organizing and grassroots energy. He credited an aggressive recruitment effort that blended modern technology with old-fashioned peer-to-peer outreach and thanked party Vice-Chair Teresa Toriseva, 2nd Vice Chair, Sam Petsonk, Secretary Jenny Craig, Treasurer John Doyle, Executive Director Ryan Frankenberry, House Minority Leader Sean Hornbuckle, Delegate Kayla Young, Senator Joey Garcia, Democratic County Chairs Association Chair Cal Carlson, Young Democrats President Olivia Dowler, and Federation of Democratic Women President Pam Van Horn, along with countless volunteers across the state.
“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 to give people a real choice when they vote this November.” Pushkin also emphasized that, while the Republican party closed their primary to independent and non-affiliated voters, the Democratic party welcomes their participation, and offers them real choices up and down the ballot.
Pushkin said voters are increasingly frustrated with what he called chaos and broken promises from Republican leadership, pointing to reckless rhetoric, economic instability, and threats to programs like Medicaid. “People want sane, steady leadership. They’re tired of the clown show. They want stability, they want their rights protected, and they want leaders focused on real issues that affect their families.”
Notably, while Democrats built one of the most competitive and expansive slates in recent memory, Republicans failed to field candidates in over half the seats currently represented by Democratic incumbents. Pushkin said the shortfall highlights a lack of organization and enthusiasm on the other side of the aisle, adding that Governor Patrick Morrisey’s recruitment efforts appear to have fallen flat. “While we were out building a team in every corner of the state, the Governor was out recruiting candidates to run against other Republicans and banning Independents from participating in their primaries,” Pushkin said. “West Virginians deserve a real contest of ideas, and it’s clear Republican
recruitment this cycle left a lot to be desired.”
State Senator Joey Garcia praised the growing slate of candidates, saying, “I couldn’t be more proud of the Democrats stepping up to run for State Senate. These candidates are focused on affordability and other kitchen table issues that matter most to working families.”
Delegate Kayla Young added “West Virginia has the lowest number of women elected in a state legislature and the policies often reflect that. This year, we’re excited to break a new record with the number of women we have on the ballot. We look forward to electing more women from around the mountain state to be a voice in the House and State Senate!”
With strong recruitment numbers and growing enthusiasm statewide, party leaders say West Virginia Democrats are ready and can win anywhere when we organize everywhere and deliver steady, responsible leadership this fall.
