2024
Democratic
Kamala Harris28.11%
Republican
Donald Trump69.98%
Two-party margin
R+41.9
State hub
West Virginia State Hub
U.S. Senate and House delegation, state governor, Census demographic snapshot (income, poverty, diversity, tax burden rank), presidential voting history, and links to live coverage, notable races, and the national map.
Key links for West Virginia
Census demographic snapshot
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2022 5-year (B01003, B19013, B01001, B03003, B03002; DP03 selected social characteristics); change vs ACS 2017 5-year population (B01003).
Population
1,792,967
Rank 39 of 51 · 1 = largest population
ACS 5-year total
Population density
74.6 people/sq mi
Rank 30 of 51 · 1 = densest
ACS population ÷ Census land area (square miles)
Pop. change (17→22)
-2.4%
Rank 51 of 51 · 1 = fastest growth
ACS total population comparison
Female / male
50.1% / 49.9%
Share of total population
Median household income
$55,217
Rank 50 of 51 · 1 = highest median income
Below poverty
16.8%
Rank 48 of 51 · 1 = lowest poverty rate
ACS profile, all people
Hispanic or Latino
1.8%
Any race
White (NH)
90.7%
Not Hispanic or Latino
Black (NH)
3.4%
Asian (NH)
0.8%
AIAN (NH)
0.1%
American Indian & Alaska Native alone
Two+ races (NH)
3.1%
Census metric ranks compare all jurisdictions in this snapshot (typically 50 states plus D.C.). Race and ethnicity categories follow Census definitions (e.g., Hispanic origin is asked separately from race). Percentages are shares of total population and may not sum to 100% because of rounding or other groups. State–local tax burden is not a Census figure; see the Tax Foundation link below for 50-state + D.C. rankings (1 = lowest aggregate burden).
Why this state votes this way
Demographics and long-run trends that commonly shape coverage and turnout narratives.
West Virginia's Census profile summarizes population scale, sex composition, race and Hispanic origin, and household income—baseline conditions analysts pair with polling and election returns when they discuss coalitions and regional turnout.
What often shows up in coverage
- Slower population change can stabilize turnout baselines; campaigns may emphasize persuasion and registration efficiency more than rapid expansion of the voter pool.
- Below-average household income (median 55,217 USD in this ACS window) frequently appears in reporting on economic stress, health-care costs, and wage-focused messaging.
- A double-digit poverty rate (16.8%) highlights inequality and service-delivery pressures that often shape platform contrast and local organizing narratives.
- Demographic profile at a glance: White, non-Hispanic residents are about 90.7% of the population in this ACS snapshot, a baseline often used to frame coalition math and statewide messaging priorities.
These indicators are descriptive context for understanding electoral environments—they do not predict vote shares, winners, or partisan realignment.
Presidential voting history
How West Virginia has voted in two-party presidential general elections on this site: Democratic and Republican nominees with vote shares, and approximate two-party margin (who carried the state follows from the margin).
Context & notes
Former Democratic powerhouse—often tied to coal unions and industrial labor—has shifted sharply toward Republicans in presidential races since 2000.
- Economic transition away from coal and manufacturing is a central narrative in electoral analysis.
- Democratic strength is concentrated in pockets; rural counties have moved sharply red.
Results by year
2020
Democratic
Joe Biden29.70%
Republican
Donald Trump68.63%
Two-party margin
R+38.9
2016
Democratic
Hillary Clinton26.48%
Republican
Donald Trump68.63%
Two-party margin
R+42.1
2012
Democratic
Barack Obama35.54%
Republican
Mitt Romney62.30%
Two-party margin
R+26.8
2008
Democratic
Barack Obama42.59%
Republican
John McCain55.71%
Two-party margin
R+13.1
2004
Democratic
John Kerry43.21%
Republican
George W. Bush56.07%
Two-party margin
R+12.9
2000
Democratic
Al Gore45.59%
Republican
George W. Bush51.92%
Two-party margin
R+6.3
1996
Democratic
Bill Clinton51.51%
Republican
Bob Dole36.76%
Two-party margin
D+14.8
1992
Democratic
Bill Clinton48.41%
Republican
George H. W. Bush35.39%
Two-party margin
D+13.0
1988
Democratic
Michael Dukakis52.20%
Republican
George H. W. Bush47.46%
Two-party margin
D+4.7
1984
Democratic
Walter Mondale44.60%
Republican
Ronald Reagan55.11%
Two-party margin
R+10.5
1980
Democratic
Jimmy Carter49.81%
Republican
Ronald Reagan45.30%
Two-party margin
D+4.5
Percentages are major-party shares from this site's state data. Margins use those shares; third-party votes can make totals differ from the national popular vote. This is historical context, not a forecast.
Notable races involving West Virginia
No seeded race cards are available for West Virginia yet. Check back as coverage expands.
U.S. Congress (West Virginia)
119th CongressU.S. Senate
Caucus split
0D:2R
Shelley Moore CapitoRSenior senator
Shelley Wellons Moore Capito is an American politician serving as the senior United States senator from West Virginia.
Jim JusticeRJunior senator
James Conley Justice II is an American politician and businessman serving since 2025 as the junior United States senator from West Virginia.
U.S. House delegation
Post-2024 election delegation totals (Wikipedia / Ballotpedia–style snapshot for the 119th Congress).
Seat split
0D:2R
Governor
Chief executive of West Virginia's state government (separate from the U.S. Congress above).
Patrick MorriseyR
Governor
Patrick James Morrisey is an American politician and attorney serving as the 37th governor of West Virginia since 2025.