MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Since Republicans gained a supermajority in the West Virginia Senate, factions have developed within the party, and despite the factions sharing very similar political and philosophical positions, the 2026 primary election has evolved into a referendum on which group will control the State Senate and, in some ways, control of the Republican Party.
With that at stake, Governor Patrick Morrisey has been very active leading up to the primary, endorsing candidates and, in some instances, going door to door to support those who will back his agenda. Former Senate President Mitch Carmichael said the governor’s approach is a gamble.
“You’re going to make enemies one way or another. Having said that, I think he has every right to promote the candidates he wants to advance his agenda. I’m not saying it’s right or wrong. The voters have the opportunity to look at what it is you want to accomplish and what issues you want to advance,” said Carmichael.
Despite the campaign rhetoric, the differences between the two factions are not so much about “right wing” or “moderates. All of the Republican candidates are conservative. The differences are in legislative priorities.
The faction supported by Governor Morrisey has honed in on social and cultural issues. Whereas the faction led by Senator Tom Takubo is focused on business, job creation, and economic growth.
Those key differences have drawn interest from outside of West Virginia, with millions of dollars funneling into the state through political action committees associated with Governor Morrisey and Senate President Randy Smith. Metronews has tracked seven PACs throughout the primary campaign that have spent nearly $5 million on the Republican Primary Election.
GOP Strategist Greg Thomas helped recruit and has worked with candidates in the Takubo faction and is adamant that the introduction of outside money has skewed the conversation away from issues that voters are actually talking about.
“I refer to this election as the gross-out election. They’re running the grossest, most dishonest, deceitful campaign they can to suppress voters. We know voters want to hear about jobs, the economy, roads, and schools. Let’s talk about the most ridiculous stuff we can to it grosses people out, and they don’t come out to vote,” said Thomas.
Jason Huffman, State Director for Americans for Prosperity, disagrees. Huffman asserts that the competition in the primary is healthy and holds the incumbents accountable and believes voters won’t be fooled.
“I have a lot of trust in voters in West Virginia, and this election will be a referendum on politicians who didn’t live up to first principles,” commented Huffman.
The top target of the PACs supporting the Morrisey/Smith slate of candidates has been former Senate Majority Leader Tom Takubo. Nearly $1million has been spent by PACs in the 17th Senate District race between Takubo and challenger Chris Pritt. Most of that has been spent opposing Takubo.
“They’ve never met me. They’ve never seen what I do for the community. They’ve never met my opponent. You know who they have met? Patrick Morrisey. That’s who they’ve met,” said Takubo.
In the 17th District, Gov. Morrisey made one of his first endorsements for Jonathan Comer, who is challenging incumbent Senator Vince Deeds. PACs have spent over a$500,000 in that race.
But Huffman says the amount of money being spent by the PACs is being blown out of proportion…
“Free speech isn’t free. You’ve got to get on the airwaves, and to get a message out, it takes money,” said Huffman.
After this brutal intra-party battle, it may be difficult, if not impossible, for members of the Grand Old Party to put aside their differences when they arrive at the Capitol in January for the legislative session.
But former Senate President Mitch Carmichael understands that’s exactly what needs to happen.
“Do what’s right for the people of West Virginia. Don’t personalities or personal grievances get in the way of advancing good legislation.”