NEW POLL: WV VOTERS SAY STATE IS ON THE WRONG TRACK, BLAME REPUBLICANS FOR STATE'S PROBLEMS

For Immediate Release October 9

Lake Research Partners Survey Finds Widespread Dissatisfaction with Republican Leadership, Low Approval of Governor Morrisey, and Greater Enthusiasm Among Democratic Voters

CHARLESTON, WV — A new poll conducted by Lake Research Partners for the West Virginia Democratic Party paints a troubling picture for Republicans who control state government, with a majority of likely voters saying West Virginia is headed in the wrong direction and expressing dissatisfaction with the performance of Governor Patrick Morrisey and the state's Republican U.S. senators.

The survey of 700 likely voters statewide, including an oversample of 100 likely voters in battleground legislative districts, conducted September 16–21, found that 57% believe West Virginia is on the wrong track, compared with just 30% who believe the state is headed in the right direction.

Among voters who believe the state is headed in the wrong direction, 51% blame Republicans, while just 7% blame Democrats.

The poll also found that Republican elected officials suffer from significant dissatisfaction among voters, particularly Governor Patrick Morrisey, whose job performance received the lowest ratings of the four Republican leaders surveyed.

Governor Patrick Morrisey

Just 33% hold a favorable opinion of Morrisey, compared with 57% who view him unfavorably.

Only 27% rate his job performance as excellent or good, while 68% rate it as just fair or poor.

Nearly half of those surveyed — 49% — rate Morrisey's performance as poor.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito

41% view Capito favorably, compared with 48% who view her unfavorably.

Just 31% rate her job performance as excellent or good, while 60% rate it as just fair or poor.

39% describe her performance as poor.

U.S. Senator Jim Justice

40% view Justice favorably, compared with 53% who view him unfavorably.

Just 32% rate his job performance as excellent or good, while 61% rate it as just fair or poor.

39% describe his performance as poor.

President Donald Trump

55% view Trump favorably, compared with 44% who view him unfavorably.

49% rate his job performance as excellent or good, while 51% rate it as just fair or poor.

42% describe Trump's performance as poor.

"Republicans have complete control of state government, and West Virginians are making it clear that they don't like the direction we're headed," said West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin. "For years, Republicans have blamed everyone but themselves for the problems facing our state. But after more than a decade of Republican control of the Legislature, voters are ready to hold them accountable for their abysmal record."

The survey also revealed an important difference in enthusiasm heading into the November election.

Democratic voters expressed greater enthusiasm about voting than their Republican counterparts. Among Democrats, 88% report feeling enthusiastic, including 63% who say they are extremely enthusiastic. The difference among Republican voters is stark. Among Republicans, just 76% report feeling enthusiastic, with only 42% who say they are extremely enthusiastic.

"West Virginians are tired of watching their utility bills climb, their hospitals and their schools close, and their elected officials writing blank checks to AI data centers," Pushkin said. "Our candidates are talking about the kitchen-table issues that matter to working families, and Democrats are energized because they know what's at stake in November."

"West Virginians want a government that works for them, not one that answers to corporate donors and political insiders," Pushkin continued. "This election is an opportunity to demand accountability and elect legislators who will put West Virginia families first."

The West Virginia Democratic Party has recruited candidates across the state and is working to challenge Republican control of the Legislature in November.

Poll methodology: The survey was conducted by Lake Research Partners September 16–21, 2026 among 700 likely voters across West Virginia, including an oversample of 100 likely voters in key State Senate battleground districts. The margin of error is +/- 4.0%.

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