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Capito Secures WV GOP Senate Nomination, 66.5% Vote

5/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito won the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in West Virginia’s May 12, 2026 primary with 66.5 % of the vote.
The May 12, 2026 primary was West Virginia’s first statewide contest under a stricter photo-ID rule and a newly closed Republican primary.
Governor Patrick Morrisey endorsed several challengers to Republican incumbents, underscoring intra-party competition ahead of the general election.

History

Historical Context

In 2008, West Virginia enacted its first statewide voter-photo-ID law (HB 2900), signed by Democratic Governor Joe Manchin, and a 2009 audit recorded a $2.3 million rise in county election costs. The law was tightened to require photo ID in 2025, and the 2026 Republican primary saw Senator Shelley Moore Capito win 66.5% amid intra-party disputes backed by Governor Patrick Morrisey’s challengers.

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Story summary

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito won the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in West Virginia’s May 12, 2026 primary with 66.5 % of the vote.
The May 12, 2026 primary was West Virginia’s first statewide contest under a stricter photo-ID rule and a newly closed Republican primary.
Governor Patrick Morrisey endorsed several challengers to Republican incumbents, underscoring intra-party competition ahead of the general election.

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