By Esteban Fernandez, Times West Virginian
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Republican candidates performed better than expected in Marion County, leaving county Democrats wondering how to move forward.
“Something very ineffective going on with messaging, and I think even with the polls as well,” Marion County Democratic Executive Chair Jarryd Powell said. “Political parties, Democrats specifically after a loss, you go and take a hard look in the mirror, and you think about how you can better advocate for the voters.”
Powell said the challenge is to think about how the party can get its message out to voters that its values are reflective of West Virginia’s values.
President-elect Donald Trump played a major role in helping Marion County Republicans secure their seats in both the West Virginia House of Delegates and Marion County Commission, as well as pick up new posts for County Assessor and Circuit Court Clerk. Excitement for the candidate drove the historic 65% turnout in Marion County. Trump carried Marion County by 64%.
“He helped us,” returning House of Delegates member Mike DeVault, R-74, said. “I mean, every, everybody I talked to vote for me was gonna vote for Trump. He was a strong candidate, right time, right place.”
