West Virginia’s general election on November 5, 2024, will prominently feature a diverse group of five presidential candidates accompanied by their respective running mates. The candidates include:
In terms of candidate presence, the upcoming West Virginia ballot mirrors the trend seen in four out of the five presidential elections conducted since 2008. Notably, the 2020 election showcased four candidates: Donald Trump (R), Joe Biden (D), Jo Jorgensen (L), and Howie Hawkins (Mountain Party of West Virginia). In a decisive victory, Trump secured West Virginia with an impressive 68.6% of the votes, while Biden garnered 29.7%, Jorgensen achieved 1.3%, and Hawkins received a mere 0.3% of the total votes.
As of October 28, insightful analyses from prominent political outlets including The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, and Sabato’s Crystal Ball have classified West Virginia as solidly Republican territory. The state has exhibited a consistent pattern by siding with the Republican presidential candidate in six of the elections between 2000 and 2020, while the Democratic candidate prevailed in three elections from 1988 to 1996.
West Virginia holds four electoral votes, ranking it alongside six other states for the distinction of having the second fewest electoral votes in the nation. A significant demographic shift resulted in the state losing one of its electoral votes following the census conducted in 2020.
Alongside the presidential candidates, West Virginia’s general election ballot will also introduce one ballot measure, in addition to critical elections for the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the governor, among other important positions. For detailed insights into these races, click here to access Ballotpedia’s Sample Ballot Lookup Tool and explore the specifics of your ballot this November.
**Interview with Political Analyst Jane Doe on West Virginia’s 2024 Presidential Election Landscape**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Jane. As we look ahead to the general election in West Virginia on November 5, 2024, can you give us an overview of the candidates that will be featured?
**Jane Doe:** Absolutely! We’re seeing a diverse group of five presidential candidates on the ballot this time. This includes the major party candidates, as well as representatives from other parties—similar to what we’ve seen in previous election cycles in the state.
**Interviewer:** That’s interesting. How does the presence of these candidates compare to past elections?
**Jane Doe:** Great question! If we look back, particularly at the 2020 election, we saw four candidates: Donald Trump for the Republicans, Joe Biden for the Democrats, Jo Jorgensen representing the Libertarian Party, and Howie Hawkins from the Mountain Party of West Virginia. The recent elections have reflected a trend of keeping a diverse field, which engages voters who might feel unrepresented by the two major parties.
**Interviewer:** In the 2020 election, Trump won West Virginia overwhelmingly. What factors might influence the outcomes in 2024?
**Jane Doe:** Trump’s decisive victory, capturing 68.6% of the votes, certainly set a strong precedent. However, several factors could come into play this time—like changes in voter sentiment, economic conditions, and the candidates’ campaign strategies. Additionally, there’s often a localized focus on issues that resonate with West Virginians, such as economic development, healthcare, and education.
**Interviewer:** With upcoming debates and campaign events, how important is West Virginia as a battleground state in 2024?
**Jane Doe:** West Virginia may be seen as more Republican-leaning in recent elections, but it’s still crucial. Candidates often aim to appeal to local voters through targeted messaging. A strong showing here can also bolster a candidate’s overall momentum heading into the national stage, particularly with its historical role in shaping election narratives.
**Interviewer:** What should voters keep in mind as they prepare for this election?
**Jane Doe:** Voters should look into each candidate’s stance on the issues that matter most to them and the state. It’s also essential to stay informed about the candidates’ policies and how they may affect West Virginia specifically. Engaging in discussions and attending local events can also help them make a more informed decision.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Jane, for your insights into West Virginia’s upcoming election!
**Jane Doe:** Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting election season, and I look forward to seeing how it unfolds.
