West Virginia politicians react to Walz VP pick

What they're saying   

West Virginia Democratic Party — From a West Virginia Democratic Party news release posted via X on Tuesday, Kanawha County Delegate Mike Pushkin, the state party chair and Democratic National Convention (DNC) delegate, said, "West Virginia Democrats are thrilled to support the selection of Governor Tim Walz as the Vice Presidential nominee. Governor Walz has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to improving the lives of everyday Americans.

"His experience as a public servant, from his time as a congressman to his role as Governor of Minnesota, showcases his dedication to education, health care, and economic growth. Tim Walz's proven ability to bring people together and tackle pressing issues with practical solutions aligns perfectly with the values we hold dear in West Virginia. I am confident that his partnership on the ticket will bring a renewed sense of hope and progress to our nation."

Sen. Joe Manchin, I-W.Va. — Manchin said in a statement that, “All of the candidates were strong and any one of them would have been a great pick, but I can think of no one better than Governor Walz to help bring our country closer together and bring balance back to the Democratic Party."

West Virginia Republican Party — In a news release Tuesday, the West Virginia Republican Party weighed in not only on Walz, but also Manchin's endorsement of the pick. "Once again, Joe Manchin falls in line with the liberal establishment on his way out the door," the statement read. "West Virginians are used to it, but it should confirm to others across the country that Manchin’s 'moderate' moniker was only ever used out of convenience.

"According to Joe, Tim Walz will bring back 'normality,' which is a shocking prediction for a Governor who:

• Opposes expanding American energy production
• Opposes a wall at the southern border
• Endorses gender reassignment for children
• Endorses 'defunding the police'
• Endorses giving drivers licenses to illegal immigrants
• Compares socialism with 'neighborliness'

"Unlike Manchin, West Virginians find none of that to be normal." 

Gov. Jim Justice, R-W.Va. — Justice, also the Republican nominee for Manchin's U.S. Senate seat, said in a statement that "Kamala Harris's selection of Tim Walz as her running mate makes it clear Democrats are doubling down on a radical left agenda that doesn’t reflect the values of most Americans."

Glenn Elliott, Democratic candidate for Senate — Elliott, the former mayor of Wheeling and the Democratic nominee opposing Justice in the Senate race, said, "While I was more familiar with some of the other candidates, I think Governor Walz is a strong pick. In him, you have a two-term governor with congressional experience, a military veteran, a Midwesterner with strong ties to organized labor, and, perhaps most importantly, someone who is relatable to everyday Americans.

"Furthermore, as governor, he has done far more with a divided Legislature than my opponent has been able to do with a strong supermajority of his own party.�

Attorney General Patrick Morrisey — Morrisey, also the Republican nominee for governor, said in a statement that "Tim Walz’s VP selection is a glaring indicator of the left’s radical agenda and how dangerous the far-left's puppet, Kamala Harris really is."

Steve Williams, Huntington mayor — Williams, a Democrat vying for the governor's office against Morrisey, said in an emailed statement that, "I am thrilled to see the selection of Tim Walz for Vice President, a choice that resonates with values we hold dear here in West Virginia. As a veteran, teacher, football coach, former congressman, and current governor, he brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of effective leadership.

"From a personal perspective, I will always think of him as a coach, and, as I learned from my father, once a coach, always a coach. He will encourage all Americans never to give up, and he’ll be a powerful voice for working people in the corridors of power. With Tim Walz on the ticket, we can be assured of a future where every citizen's rights and freedoms are prioritized.�