According to national data following last Tuesday’s general election, more than 90 percent of counties in the U.S. shifted further to the right. Hardy was among them. The county, like the state, delivered a nearly clean sweep for the GOP, electing not only former President Trump, but ensuring virtually complete Republican control of the state and county. Locally, Democrat David Jopling won his race for Surveyor. He was unopposed. Voter turnout was extremely high at 68 percent – second only to 2020 which saw a 71 percent turnout in the county. There were 9,448 registered voters this year and 6,433 ballots cast. Unofficial results (canvassing and certification will take place Nov. 12, though outcomes are not expected to change) also show the county voted Republican at higher rates than the state did. Trump scored six points higher in the county than the state; Senator-elect Justice was up five points over the state; and Governor-elect Morrisey was up seven points over the state. Other statewide races including Secretary of State, Auditor, Commissioner of Agriculture, and Attorney General all followed a similar pattern.
Locally, the only race that defied those trends was the U.S. House of Representatives for the 2 nd Congressional District. While Republican Riley Moore received 71 percent of the vote across the 27-county district, he dropped to 63 percent in Hardy County. His opponent, Democrat Steven Wendelin performed stronger than previous candidates, securing 32 percent of the vote in Hardy County. Wendelin is a resident of Hardy County. In other local races, State Senator Randy Smith handily defeated his Mountain Party opponent, Wardensville Mayor Betsy Orndoff-Sayers, 65 percent to 26 percent. Delegate Bryan Ward ran unopposed and secured 83 percent of the vote. Other unopposed candidates included Sheriff Steven Dawson, Assessor Jim Wratchford, and Surveyor David Jopling; the lone Democrat elected in the county. Commissioner David Workman marched to an easy victory over Democrat Philip Fertig,
winning 77 percent of the vote. “It is indeed an honor to be re-elected to the County Commission. I am thankful, humbled and honored to have the opportunity to again serve the citizens of our county. I take seriously the trust placed in me and will do my best to represent all of our residents. There is much work to be done, and I look forward to continuing efforts to make Hardy County better for all in the coming years,” Workman said in a statement to the Examiner. The closest race was that of Prosecuting Attorney. Republican Jeff Weatherholt defeated current Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Harley “Orrin” Staggers III, 58 percent to 38 percent. In an emailed statement commenting on his win, Weatherholt said “I would like to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for blessing my campaign. I’d like to thank all of my supporters who let me put a sign in their yard; mentioned their support of me to a relative, neighbor, or friend, took time to speak with me and share their concerns, and offered helpful advice. I’d also like to thank my beautiful wife, Laurie, who not only put-up with me; but navigated me across the county and up registered voters’ driveways; set-up my Facebook account, designed professional looking ads, edited my ‘writings’, and is the most encouraging person that I’ve ever known, thank-you.” Weatherholt also said that following certification of the results he will be accepting applications for two full-time clerical/legal assistants and hopes to hire two full-time assistant prosecutors. Currently an assistant prosecutor position has remained vacant for about two-and-half years.
Reflecting on the sound defeat of Democrats, Hardy County Democratic Committee Chair John Rosato said, “First, I want to congratulate our candidates on running spirited, respectful, and professional campaigns. Phil, Orrin, and Commander Wendelin should be extremely proud of themselves, not only for having participated in the democratic process, but for giving Hardy County residents an actual choice on the ballot. I continue to believe that Phil, Orrin, Steven were better, more qualified candidates, but the people have made their choice, and I wish Mr. Weatherholt, Mr. Workman, and Mr. Moore much Success.” Representatives for the Hardy County Republican Executive Committee did not respond to the Examiner’s request for comment.
