Open the Primary
The West Virginia GOP’s vote to close the primary was based on a false fear that Independent voters don’t support President Trump.
- President Trump won 88% of the primary vote and 70% of the general vote — with overwhelming support from Independents.
- Trump’s favorability among Republicans and Independents is over 80%
Conservative Independent voters helped build the GOP majorities in Charleston. Yet just 1% say a GOP party leader asked them to join the Republican Party.
A survey of 204 Republican primary voters indicates voters lack clarity on who can and can no longer vote.
- Two-thirds of Republicans didn’t know Independents were allowed to vote in Republican primaries.
- Three-fourths of Independents don’t know they won’t be allowed to vote in 2026.
The great risk for Republican Party leaders is Independents denied a GOP ballot when they try to vote in May 2026 may take a Democrat one and never come back.
July 26 West Virginia Republican Executive Committee Members will vote on opening the primary.