The 2018 West Virginia Senate elections were held on November 6, 2018, as part of the biennial United States elections. Seventeen of West Virginia's 34 state senators were up for election. West Virginia Senate districts each have two elected representatives. State senators serve staggered four-year terms in West Virginia, with one senator from each district up in even-numbered years corresponding to presidential election years (most recently held in 2016), and the other up in even-numbered years corresponding to presidential midterm years.
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17 of the 34 seats in the West Virginia Senate 18 seats needed for a majority | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 Results of the elections: Democratic gain Democratic hold Republican hold | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Primary elections in the state were held on May 8. After the previous 2016 state elections, Republicans held a majority in the Senate, holding 22 seats to the Democrats' 12. The Republican Party had long been the minority party in West Virginia, but the decline of the strength of coal worker unions, the Democratic Party's increasing focus on environmentalism, the unpopularity of President Barack Obama, and the increasing social conservatism of the Republican Party have helped the GOP solidify power in the state rapidly since 2000.
Despite the high popularity of President Donald Trump within the state and his 42-point margin of victory there in 2016, the Democrats gained two seats in the West Virginia Senate in 2018. This can be attributed to the competitive U.S. Senate race at the top of the ticket (which was won by incumbent Democrat Joe Manchin), the increasing insulation of the West Virginia Democratic Party from the national Democratic Party (particularly on social issues, such as abortion), and a strong year for the Democratic Party nationally, in which they gained control of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Following the state's 2018 Senate elections, Republicans maintained control of the Senate with 20 seats to the Democrats' 14.
Retirements edit
No incumbents retired in 2018. All 17 incumbent senators ran for re-election.
Incumbents defeated edit
In primary elections edit
Three incumbents were defeated in the May primaries, one more than were defeated in the 2016 primaries.
Republicans edit
- District 4: Mark Drennan lost renomination to Eric Tarr.
- District 9: Lynne Arvon lost renomination to Rollan Roberts.
- District 11: Robert Karnes lost renomination to Bill Hamilton.
In the general election edit
Republicans edit
- District 1: Ryan Ferns lost to William J. Ihlenfeld.
- District 8: Ed Gaunch lost to Richard Lindsay.
Results summary edit
All results are certified by the Secretary of State of West Virginia.
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| Party | Votes | Seats | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | Total before |
Up | Won | Total after |
± | ||||||||
| Republican Party | 306,182 | 53.41 | 22 | 11 | 9 | 20 / 34
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 2
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| Democratic Party | 267,073 | 44.05 | 12 | 6 | 8 | 14 / 34
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 2
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| Independents | 14,567 | 2.54 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 / 34
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Senate President Election edit
On January 9, 2019, the West Virginia Senate convened to elect a President for the 84th West Virginia Legislature. The incumbent president, Mitch Carmichael, was nominated by Randy Smith. The nomination was then seconded by Charles Trump. Roman Prezioso received a nomination from Bob Beach, which was seconded by Ron Stollings. In a 19 to 14 vote, Mitch Carmichael was re-elected President of the Senate, having received the support of the eighteen other Republicans present, as well as Senator Prezioso. Mike Maroney, a Republican, was the sole absent member.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Mitch Carmichael (incumbent) | 19 | 57.6 | |
| Democratic | Roman Prezioso | 14 | 42.4 | |
| Total votes | 33 | 100.0 | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
Close races edit
| District | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|
| District 8 | Democratic (flip) | 0.5% |
| District 16 | Democratic | 4.3% |
| District 13 | Democratic | 4.4% |
| District 17 | Republican | 5.0% |
| District 1 | Democratic (flip) | 5.8% |
| District 10 | Democratic | 6.3% |
| District 9 | Republican | 8.1% |
| District 12 | Democratic | 9.0% |
Summary of results by State Senate District edit
| District | Incumbent | Elected Senator | Result | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Member | Party | First elected | Member | Party | ||
| District 1 | Ryan Ferns | Republican | 2014 | William Ihlenfeld | Democratic | Democratic Gain |
| District 2 | Charles Clements | Republican | 2017 (appointed) | Charles Clements | Republican | Republican Hold |
| District 3 | Mike Azinger | Republican | 2016 | Mike Azinger | Republican | Republican Hold |
| District 4 | Mark Drennan | Republican | 2017 (appointed) | Eric Tarr | Republican | Republican Hold |
| District 5 | Mike Woelfel | Democratic | 2014 | Mike Woelfel | Democratic | Democratic Hold |
| District 6 | Mark Maynard | Republican | 2014 | Mark Maynard | Republican | Republican Hold |
| District 7 | Ron Stollings | Democratic | 2006 | Ron Stollings | Democratic | Democratic Hold |
| District 8 | Ed Gaunch | Republican | 2014 | Richard Lindsay | Democratic | Democratic Gain |
| District 9 | Lynne Arvon | Republican | 2018 (appointed) | Rollan Roberts | Republican | Republican Hold |
| District 10 | Stephen Baldwin | Democratic | 2017 (appointed) | Stephen Baldwin | Democratic | Democratic Hold |
| District 11 | Robert Karnes | Republican | 2014 | Bill Hamilton | Republican | Republican Hold |
| District 12 | Mike Romano | Democratic | 2014 | Mike Romano | Democratic | Democratic Hold |
| District 13 | Bob Beach | Democratic | 2010 | Bob Beach | Democratic | Democratic Hold |
| District 14 | David Sypolt | Republican | 2006 | David Sypolt | Republican | Republican Hold |
| District 15 | Charles Trump | Republican | 2014 | Charles Trump | Republican | Republican Hold |
| District 16 | John Unger | Democratic | 1998 | John Unger | Democratic | Democratic Hold |
| District 17 | Tom Takubo | Republican | 2014 | Tom Takubo | Republican | Republican Hold |
Detailed results by State Senate District edit
|
District 1 • District 2 • District 3 • District 4 • District 5 • District 6 • District 7 • District 8 • District 9 • District 10 • District 11 • District 12 • District 13 • District 14 • District 15 • District 16 • District 17 |
All results are certified by the Secretary of State of West Virginia.[2]
District 1 edit
Republican primary edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Ryan Ferns (incumbent) | 5,233 | 100.0% | |
| Total votes | 5,233 | 100.0% | ||
Democratic primary edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | William J. Ihlenfeld II | 8,500 | 100.0% | |
| Total votes | 8,500 | 100.0% | ||
General election edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | William J. Ihlenfeld II | 18,450 | 52.88% | |
| Republican | Ryan Ferns (incumbent) | 16,438 | 47.12% | |
| Total votes | 34,888 | 100% | ||
| Democratic gain from Republican | ||||
District 2 edit
Republican primary edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Charles Clements (incumbent) | 6,809 | 100.0% | |
| Total votes | 6,809 | 100.0% | ||
Democratic primary edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Denny Longwell | 5,388 | 58.94% | |
| Democratic | Carla Jones | 3,753 | 41.06% | |
| Total votes | 9,141 | 100.0% | ||
General election edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Charles H. Clements (incumbent) | 19,895 | 58.79% | |
| Democratic | Denny Longwell | 13,944 | 41.21% | |
| Total votes | 33,839 | 100% | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
District 3 edit
Republican primary edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Mike Azinger (incumbent) | 6,404 | 100.0% | |
| Total votes | 6,404 | 100.0% | ||
Democratic primary edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Jim Leach | 3,695 | 58.94% | |
| Democratic | Simon Hargus | 3,009 | 44.88% | |
| Total votes | 6,704 | 100.0% | ||
General election edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Mike Azinger (incumbent) | 19,964 | 57.40% | |
| Democratic | Jim Leach | 14,818 | 42.60% | |
| Total votes | 34,782 | 100% | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
District 4 edit
Republican primary edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Eric Tarr | 4,994 | 54.76% | |
| Republican | Mark Drennan (incumbent) | 4,126 | 45.24% | |
| Total votes | 9,120 | 100.0% | ||
Democratic primary edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Brian Prim | 6,819 | 100.0% | |
| Total votes | 6,819 | 100.0% | ||
General election edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Eric Tarr | 18,885 | 51.78% | |
| Democratic | Brian Prim | 13,583 | 37.24% | |
| Independent | Amy Nichole Grady | 4,005 | 10.98% | |
| Total votes | 36,473 | 100% | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
District 5 edit
Republican primary edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Larry Brooke Lunsford | 4,819 | 100.0% | |
| Total votes | 4,819 | 100.0% | ||
Democratic primary edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Mike Woelfel (incumbent) | 7,753 | 100.0% | |
| Total votes | 7,753 | 100.0% | ||
General election edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Mike Woelfel (incumbent) | 20,305 | 59.66% | |
| Republican | Larry Brooke Lunsford | 13,732 | 40.34% | |
| Total votes | 34,037 | 100% | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 6 edit
Republican primary edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Mark Maynard (incumbent) | 3,209 | 61.04% | |
| Republican | Wesley Blankenship | 2,048 | 38.96% | |
| Total votes | 5,257 | 100.0% | ||
Democratic primary edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Charles E. Sammons | 6,305 | 100.0% | |
| Total votes | 6,305 | 100.0% | ||
General election edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Mark R. Maynard (incumbent) | 17,536 | 61.51% | |
| Democratic | Charles E. Sammons | 10,972 | 38.49% | |
| Total votes | 28,508 | 100% | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
District 7 edit
Republican primary edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Jason Stephens | 1,851 | 51.81% | |
| Republican | Gary L. Johngrass | 1,722 | 48.19% | |
| Total votes | 3,573 | 100.0% | ||
Democratic primary edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Ron Stollings (incumbent) | 9,276 | 100.0% | |
| Total votes | 9,276 | 100.0% | ||
General election edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Ron Stollings (incumbent) | 15,181 | 56.70% | |
| Republican | Jason Stephens | 11,594 | 43.30% | |
| Total votes | 26,775 | 100% | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 8 edit
Republican primary edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Ed Gaunch (incumbent) | 5,475 | 100.0% | |
| Total votes | 5,475 | 100.0% | ||
Democratic primary edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Richard Lindsay | 4,721 | 51.72% | |
| Democratic | Mark Hunt | 4,407 | 48.28% | |
| Total votes | 9,128 | 100.0% | ||
General election edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Richard Lindsay | 16,537 | 50.25% | |
| Republican | Ed Gaunch (incumbent) | 16,372 | 49.75% | |
| Total votes | 32,909 | 100% | ||
| Democratic gain from Republican | ||||
District 9 edit
Republican primary edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Rollan Roberts | 3,384 | 52.87% | |
| Republican | Lynne Arvon (incumbent) | 3,017 | 47.13% | |
| Total votes | 6,401 | 100.0% | ||
Democratic primary edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | William R. Wooton | 3,649 | 43.44% | |
| Democratic | John Queensberry | 2,171 | 25.84% | |
| Democratic | Steve Davis | 1,731 | 20.60% | |
| Democratic | Wayne Williams | 850 | 10.12% | |
| Total votes | 8,401 | 100.0% | ||
General election edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Rollan Roberts | 16,111 | 54.07% | |
| Democratic | William R. Wooton | 13,686 | 45.93% | |
| Total votes | 29,797 | 100% | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
District 10 edit
Republican primary edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | George Ambler | 4,169 | 56.45% | |
| Republican | Dan Hill | 3,216 | 43.55% | |
| Total votes | 7,385 | 100.0% | ||
Democratic primary edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Stephen Baldwin (incumbent) | 10,311 | 100.0% | |
| Total votes | 10,311 | 100.0% | ||
General election edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Stephen Baldwin (incumbent) | 17,495 | 53.15% | |
| Republican | George Ambler | 15,421 | 46.85% | |
| Total votes | 32,916 | 100% | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 11 edit
Republican primary edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Bill Hamilton | 6,523 | 62.25% | |
| Republican | Robert Karnes (incumbent) | 3,955 | 37.75% | |
| Total votes | 10,478 | 100.0% | ||
Democratic primary edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Laura M. Finch | 5,087 | 52.42% | |
| Democratic | Margaret Kerr Beckwith | 4,617 | 47.58% | |
| Total votes | 9,704 | 100.0% | ||
General election edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Bill Hamilton | 23,718 | 70.44% | |
| Democratic | Laura M. Finch | 9,953 | 29.56% | |
| Total votes | 33,671 | 100% | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
District 12 edit
Republican primary edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Waymond Cork II | 5,820 | 100.0% | |
| Total votes | 5,820 | 100.0% | ||
Democratic primary edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Mike Romano (incumbent) | 9,814 | 100.0% | |
| Total votes | 9,814 | 100.0% | ||
General election edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Mike Romano (incumbent) | 18,919 | 54.51% | |
| Republican | Waymond Cork II | 15,791 | 45.49% | |
| Total votes | 34,710 | 100% | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 13 edit
Republican primary edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Mike Oliverio | 4,763 | 100.0% | |
| Total votes | 4,763 | 100.0% | ||
Democratic primary edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Bob Beach (incumbent) | 9,383 | 100.0% | |
| Total votes | 9,383 | 100.0% | ||
General election edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Bob Beach (incumbent) | 18,692 | 52.18% | |
| Republican | Mike Oliverio | 17,129 | 47.82% | |
| Total votes | 35,821 | 100% | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 14 edit
Republican primary edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | David Sypolt (incumbent) | 8,997 | 100.0% | |
| Total votes | 8,997 | 100.0% | ||
Democratic primary edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Stephanie Zucker | 7,813 | 100.0% | |
| Total votes | 7,813 | 100.0% | ||
General election edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | David Sypolt (incumbent) | 21,936 | 60.22% | |
| Democratic | Stephanie Zucker | 14,492 | 39.78% | |
| Total votes | 36,428 | 100% | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
District 15 edit
Republican primary edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Charles S. Trump (incumbent) | 7,965 | 100.0% | |
| Total votes | 7,965 | 100.0% | ||
General election edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Charles S. Trump (incumbent) | 25,937 | 71.06% | |
| Independent | Jason A. Armentrout | 10,562 | 28.94% | |
| Total votes | 36,499 | 100% | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
District 16 edit
Republican primary edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Michael Craig Folk | 5,729 | 100.0% | |
| Total votes | 5,729 | 100.0% | ||
Democratic primary edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | John Unger (incumbent) | 6,309 | 100.0% | |
| Total votes | 6,309 | 100.0% | ||
General election edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | John Unger (incumbent) | 18,802 | 52.14% | |
| Republican | Michael Craig Folk | 17,257 | 47.86% | |
| Total votes | 36,059 | 100% | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 17 edit
Republican primary edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Tom Takubo (incumbent) | 5,873 | 100.0% | |
| Total votes | 5,873 | 100.0% | ||
Democratic primary edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Terrell Ellis | 5,317 | 52.01% | |
| Democratic | Mary Ann Claytor | 3,746 | 36.64% | |
| Democratic | Justin 'Dick' Salsbury | 1,161 | 11.36% | |
| Total votes | 10,224 | 100.0% | ||
General election edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Tom Takubo (incumbent) | 18,466 | 52.46% | |
| Democratic | Terrell Ellis | 16,735 | 47.54% | |
| Total votes | 35,201 | 100% | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
References edit
- ^ "Election Night Reporting".
- ^ "Election Night Reporting".
- ^ "STATE SENATOR, 1ST - REP". Secretary of State of West Virginia. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
- ^ "STATE SENATOR, 1ST - DEM". Secretary of State of West Virginia. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
- ^ "STATE SENATOR, 2nd - REP". Secretary of State of West Virginia. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
- ^ "STATE SENATOR, 2nd-DEM". Secretary of State of West Virginia. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
- ^ "STATE SENATOR, 3RD - REP". Secretary of State of West Virginia. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
- ^ "STATE SENATOR, 3RD - DEM". Secretary of State of West Virginia. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
- ^ "STATE SENATOR, 4TH - REP". Secretary of State of West Virginia. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
- ^ "STATE SENATOR, 4TH - DEM". Secretary of State of West Virginia. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
- ^ "STATE SENATOR, 5TH - REP". Secretary of State of West Virginia. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
- ^ "STATE SENATOR, 5TH - DEM". Secretary of State of West Virginia. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
- ^ "STATE SENATOR, 6TH - REP". Secretary of State of West Virginia. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
- ^ "STATE SENATOR, 6TH - DEM". Secretary of State of West Virginia. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
- ^ "STATE SENATOR, 7TH - REP". Secretary of State of West Virginia. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
- ^ "STATE SENATOR, 7TH - DEM". Secretary of State of West Virginia. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
- ^ "STATE SENATOR, 8TH - REP". Secretary of State of West Virginia. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
- ^ "STATE SENATOR, 8TH - DEM". Secretary of State of West Virginia. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
- ^ "STATE SENATOR, 9TH - REP". Secretary of State of West Virginia. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
- ^ "STATE SENATOR, 9TH - DEM". Secretary of State of West Virginia. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
- ^ "STATE SENATOR, 10TH - REP". Secretary of State of West Virginia. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
- ^ "STATE SENATOR, 10TH - DEM". Secretary of State of West Virginia. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
- ^ "STATE SENATOR, 11TH - REP". Secretary of State of West Virginia. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
- ^ "STATE SENATOR, 11TH - DEM". Secretary of State of West Virginia. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
- ^ "STATE SENATOR, 12TH - REP". Secretary of State of West Virginia. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
- ^ "STATE SENATOR, 12TH - DEM". Secretary of State of West Virginia. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
- ^ "STATE SENATOR, 13TH - REP". Secretary of State of West Virginia. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
- ^ "STATE SENATOR, 13TH - DEM". Secretary of State of West Virginia. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
- ^ "STATE SENATOR, 14TH - REP". Secretary of State of West Virginia. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
- ^ "STATE SENATOR, 14TH - DEM". Secretary of State of West Virginia. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
- ^ "STATE SENATOR, 15TH - REP". Secretary of State of West Virginia. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
- ^ "STATE SENATOR, 16TH - REP". Secretary of State of West Virginia. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
- ^ "STATE SENATOR, 16TH - DEM". Secretary of State of West Virginia. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
- ^ "STATE SENATOR, 17TH - REP". Secretary of State of West Virginia. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
- ^ "STATE SENATOR, 17TH - DEM". Secretary of State of West Virginia. Retrieved February 21, 2021.