News + Press
News + Press
News + Press
West Virginia Can’t Say “Thank God for Mississippi” Anymore
For Immediate Release June 2, 2026
Charleston, WV — West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin responded today to a new WalletHub study ranking West Virginia dead last among all 50 states and the District of Columbia in overall economic performance, while Mississippi ranked ahead of West Virginia at 45th. (WalletHub)
“West Virginians used to joke that no matter how bad things got, we could always say, ‘Thank God for Mississippi.’ Well, according to this latest study, we can’t even say that anymore,” said Pushkin. “Mississippi ranked ahead of us. West Virginia came in dead last.”
The WalletHub report evaluated states based on economic activity, economic health, and innovation potential. West Virginia finished 51st in innovation potential, economic activity, and overall, behind every state in the nation and the District of Columbia. (WalletHub)
Pushkin said the ranking is a direct indictment of Republican leadership after more than a decade of one-party control of state government.
“Republicans have controlled the Governor’s Office, the Legislature, the Attorney General’s Office, and every other statewide constitutional office for years. They own this record. They have spent more than a decade telling West Virginians that our economy is booming, that we’re on a ‘rocket ship ride,’ and that prosperity is just around the corner. Yet here we are: dead last in America.”
“A decade ago, when Republicans passed the so-called ‘right-to-work’ law, they promised unprecedented job growth as companies would flock to West Virginia. But since that time, West Virginia has lost both jobs and population. Likewise, when Republicans passed prevailing wage legislation, they said we’d be building two schools for the price of one. Now, instead of building schools, West Virginia is closing them at a record pace.”
Pushkin said Republican leaders have focused on divisive social issues and tax cuts for the rich while too many West Virginians continue to struggle with stagnant wages, population loss, workforce shortages, and a lack of economic diversification.
“The people of West Virginia live in the real world. They know how hard it is to find a good-paying job, afford a home, pay for child care, or keep their kids from leaving the state in search of opportunity elsewhere.”
“Instead of investing in education, workforce development, and the industries of the future, Republican leaders have spent years on corporate welfare, tax cuts for the rich, and cutting education and health care, while West Virginia continues to fall behind.”
Pushkin said the report should serve as a wake-up call.
“West Virginians deserve leaders who are honest about where we are and serious about where we’re going. We have incredible people, tremendous natural resources, and unlimited potential. But after more than a decade of Republican control, the results speak for themselves. Dead last is not a badge of honor. It’s a warning sign.”
“West Virginia can do better. The people of this state deserve better.”
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