About
The Mountaineers First Coalition was formed in 2025 to create awareness and advocate for semi-open primaries. It is in direct response to the West Virginia Republican Executive Committee’s decision in 2024 to end the longstanding practice of Independent voters participating in their party’s primary starting in 2026.
The Republican Party originally opened its primary elections in the 1980s — a move that significantly contributed to building the strong GOP majority in the state today. In the May 2024 Primary three out of four Independent voters who participated chose a GOP ballot, with Independents comprising almost one-third of the Republican turnout.
Restricting participation to a smaller electorate weakens the ability to nominate well-tested conservative candidates who can succeed in general elections. Divisive primaries focused on narrow issues tend to produce nominees who excel in primaries but are less competitive in general elections.
President Donald Trump’s success stemmed from building a diverse and expansive coalition of voters that began during the nomination process. This coalition was the foundation of his victory, enabling him to win majorities among younger voters and working-class voters — groups that had historically formed the base of the Democratic Party.
It is critical for our state, let alone for the success of any party in winning and governing, that we welcome voters rather than shutting the door on them.
About
The Mountaineers First Coalition was formed in 2025 to create awareness and advocate for semi-open primaries. It is in direct response to the West Virginia Republican Executive Committee’s decision in 2024 to end the longstanding practice of Independent voters participating in their party’s primary starting in 2026.
The Republican Party originally opened its primary elections in the 1980s — a move that significantly contributed to building the strong GOP majority in the state today. In the May 2024 Primary three out of four Independent voters who participated chose a GOP ballot, with Independents comprising almost one-third of the Republican turnout.
Restricting participation to a smaller electorate weakens the ability to nominate well-tested conservative candidates who can succeed in general elections. Divisive primaries focused on narrow issues tend to produce nominees who excel in primaries but are less competitive in general elections.
President Donald Trump’s success stemmed from building a diverse and expansive coalition of voters that began during the nomination process. This coalition was the foundation of his victory, enabling him to win majorities among younger voters and working-class voters — groups that had historically formed the base of the Democratic Party.
It is critical for our state, let alone for the success of any party in winning and governing, that we welcome voters rather than shutting the door on them.