WV Press Release Sharing
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Coal Association, the state’s primary coal membership organization representing over 90 percent of state thermal coal production and 65 percent of metallurgical coal production, today announced the organization’s endorsements for the 2024 election cycle.
Chris Hamilton, President and Chief Executive Officer of the West Virginia Coal Association, said, “The 2024 state and federal election cycle is the most important in our industry’s history dating back before West Virginia become a state. Our industry is challenged like never before and our mere existence is threatened. We need political leaders who are willing to go the extra mile for our business and the 50,000 West Virginians who show up at a mine site or coal fired manufacturing facility every day. We will immediately go to work to boost our endorsed candidates’ chances of prevailing in the Spring.”
Hamilton announced the following endorsements:
U.S. Senate: Jim Justice
“Our industry views the race for U.S. Senate as important as the Presidential race,” said Hamilton. “This race may determine control of the Senate and whether New York Democrat Chuck Schumer continues to set the agenda, name committee chairs, and call the plays. We believe West Virginia will be better served with a new and insightful leader in the Senate which is why we offer our unconditional support for Jim Justice to succeed Senator Joe Manchin.”
U.S. House of Representatives: Carol Miller, Riley Moore
“Our veteran Congressional Member, Carol Miller, who serves as Co-Chair of the Congressional Coal Caucus, is leading her national colleagues against the anti-coal forces in the U.S. House of Representatives. We wholeheartedly support her re-election to Congress,” said Hamilton.
“We also endorse State Treasurer Riley Moore in his bid for the congressional seat being vacated by Alex Mooney. Moore has crusaded against national and international financial interests who have adopted lending policies that discriminate against fossil energy extraction. Treasurer Moore will work with and compliment Congresswoman Miller very well.”
Governor: Patrick Morrisey
“The field of candidates in the race for Governor has never been as strong as it is this election cycle,” said Hamilton. “Chris Miller is an accomplished entrepreneur and philanthropist with numerous businesses around the state and region and as such exudes tremendous promise going forward.”
“Moore Capito, son of U.S. Senator Shelly Moore Capito, we know and respect. He has done brilliant work in the Legislature and in his role as House Judiciary Chairman. He’s an accomplished energy lawyer and we’ve always supported his candidacy and have endorsed him multiple times before.”
“The same can be said of our current Secretary of State, Mac Warner, who we have previously endorsed. He is a top-notch individual, has done a praiseworthy job as Secretary of State, and represents West Virginia extremely well.”
“These are extraordinary times and our industry is under attack from the Democratic establishment. Attorney General Patrick Morrisey has mounted legal challenge after legal challenge to hold off or stop President Biden’s Environmental Protection Agency from eradicating coal from America’s energy mix. We are indebted to General Morrisey and believe he is the most qualified in these unprecedented times to lead our state forward. We proudly announce our endorsement for Patrick Morrisey for Governor.
Attorney General: Mike Stuart
“Like the field of gubernatorial candidate, there are three great candidates running for Attorney General who are friends of coal,” said Hamilton. “Current State Auditor JB McCuskey and State Senator Ryan Weld are honorable individuals with great political futures.”
“State Senator Mike Stuart has stepped up in so many ways to defend and support West Virginia’s coal industry. He is the son of a coal miner and the state’s coalfields, and served as President Trump’s appointment as U.S. Attorney for West Virginia’s Southern District. Stuart is uniquely qualified to sustain the programs which originated under General Morrisey, and we are pleased to endorse him for Attorney General.”
Supreme Court: Haley Bunn, Charles Trump
The Supreme Court of Appeals is vitally important to the business climate and stability we now enjoy in West Virginia,” said Hamilton. “The composition of the High Court is as stellar as it’s ever been and the addition of Justice Bunn to the bench has only enhanced it. Justice Bunn is extremely bright, understands the rule of law, and serves as inspiration to our youth. We wholeheartedly endorse her candidacy.”
“We also endorse Charlie Trump for the second open seat on the Supreme Court. Trump, from Morgan County, is held in the highest regard throughout West Virginia’s Legislative and Judicial circles. A legal scholar and absolute statesman, no one is more prepared or deserving to be called ‘Justice’.”
For additional information, contact Chris Hamilton at (304) 342-4153.
