Conservation West Virginia 2026 Election Project

Each election cycle, Conservation West Virginia shifts into high gear. We provide voters with the information they need to understand complex environmental issues and work to turn out voters concerned about these issues on election day.

For the 2026 general elections, we will survey candidates for legislative office in the Eastern Panhandle and beyond to learn their stance on these issues. Separately, CWV will then endorse clear conservation candidates in many races, publicizing the endorsements and taking other action to support these candidates independent of their campaigns.

We have selected 20 House of Delegate races, spread from Jefferson County across the top half of the state to the Ohio River. These races share certain characteristics. They are in districts where water quality and environmental issues are critical. These range from PFAS contamination and petrochemical pollution to data center water usage. These races are also expected to be competitive, which means our support for the conservation candidate can make a difference.

Survey questionnaires have already gone out to candidates. Results should be tabulated and available by early August. CWV’s endorsed candidates will be featured on our website and their responses to the survey available for voter inspection.

Voting is a right and privilege. When armed with the right information, voters can convert concern about the environment into results at the ballot box and in legislative chambers. Stay tuned.