The 2022 West Virginia Senate elections were held on November 8, 2022, and elected 17 of the chamber's 34 members. This coincided with elections in the House of Delegates, and the election of West Virginia's two representatives. Following the 2020 census, this was the first West Virginia Senate election held after redistricting. Primary elections were held on May 10, 2022.[1]
The Republican party won 16 of the 17 races up for election, attaining supermajority status in the State Senate with 30 seats. A month after the election, state senator Glenn Jeffries (who was not up for re-election in 2022) switch from the Democratic to Republican party, further increasing the party's seat count.[2]
Retirements
Three members of the West Virginia Senate - two Democrats, and one Republican - did not run for re-election.
Democrats
District 12: Mike Romano retired to run for Harrison County Commission.[3]
In the West Virginia Senate, two members are elected from each of the 17 districts in staggered, four-year terms. In the 2022 cycle, nine Republican-held seats and eight Democrat-held seats were open for election. The names of members whose seats were up for election and their winning candidates are below.
The 2023 West Virginia Senate Presidential election was held on January 11, 2023.
On August 31, 2022, Republican senator and former chair of the Senate Education Committee Patricia Rucker announced that she would challenge incumbent president Craig Blair in the election.[7] On November 22, Rucker withdrew her bid.[8]
On December 4, 2022, Blair was renominated as President of the Senate, unopposed.[9]
At the convening of the 86th Legislature on January 11, 2023, Blair was re-elected by acclamation.
Overview
In 2022, the Democrats, though defending fewer seats than the Republicans, had the majority of their caucus up for re-election, leaving them vulnerable to Republicans. Of the eight seats held by Democrats going into the election, all but one elected Republicans.
During West Virginia's 85th Legislature (2021–2022), two senators resigned from their positions. According to §3-10-5 of West Virginia Code, vacancies in the Senate are filled through appointment by the Governor of one of three candidates chosen by the executive committee of the outgoing member's party.[10] Below is a list of appointments made during the 85th Legislature.
^"2022 Elections Calendar"(PDF). West Virginia Secretary of State. May 10, 2021. Archived(PDF) from the original on October 5, 2021. Retrieved December 29, 2021.
5.8%
7.5%
