State Treasurer Riley Moore has won the Republican nomination for a congressional district that includes northern West Virginia counties, and incumbent Congresswoman Carol Miller has handily defeated her primary election opponent.
In West Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District, which covers northern counties, Republican Congressman Alex Mooney opted to run for U.S. Senate – leaving the seat open to new faces.
Moore, the state treasurer from Harpers Ferry is the best known of the Republicans running. Moore is a former state delegate from Jefferson County and nephew of state Senator Shelley Moore Capito. He was elected treasurer in 2020.
“I have a real track record of success here at the state level, not only as the treasurer but as a legislator, and I want to take that track record to Washington,” Moore said in MetroNews’ election night coverage.
“I love this state with all my heart, and I’m going to fight like that every day, like it is my last day, to defend this great state.”
Other Republican candidates in the race include Joseph Earley of Bridgeport, Alexander Gaaserud of Parkersburg, Dennis “Nate” Cain of Hedgesville and Chris “Mookie” Walker of Martinsburg.
The Democrat in the race is Steven Wendelin.
In the 1st Congressional District, which covers southern counties, incumbent Miller of Huntington defended the seat she won in 2018. Miller is a former state delegate.
“It has been the honor of my life to represent West Virginia in Congress, and I am grateful to have won the Republican primary in West Virginia’s First Congressional District tonight. Over the past few years, I have ensured that the Mountain Valley Pipeline will be completed, worked on legislation that will lower taxes for West Virginians, and held the Biden Administration accountable,” Miller said.
“While the Republican House Majority has accomplished great work, we still have more to deliver for the American people. I’m thankful to represent my wild and wonderful state in Washington, and I will continue to work to make West Virginia the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Her Republican challenger was Derrick Evans of Prichard. Evans was elected to the state Legislature in 2019 but resigned before serving after surging into the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2020. He served three months in jail after pleading guilty to a felony charge of civil disorder.
The jail time related to the Jan. 6 sentencing has been a central component of his campaign.
Democrat Chris Bob Reed of Charleston defeated Jim Umberger of Lewisburg in the congressional primary.