In the lead-up to West Virginia’s May 14 GOP gubernatorial primary, a surprising theme has emerged at the heart of campaign debates and advertisements: transgender rights. As candidates vie to replace outgoing Governor Jim Justice, who is transitioning to a Senate campaign, the conversation has unexpectedly shifted from traditional topics like the economy and healthcare to focus intensely on transgender issues.
Leading Republican candidates have released a number of provocative advertisements to highlight their conservative credentials by opposing transgender rights more vehemently than their rivals, signaling this shift. This heated discussion has involved former state representative Moore Capito, businessman Chris Miller, and attorney general Patrick Morrisey.
A particularly striking advertisement from a PAC supporting Miller accuses Morrisey of profiting from “the trans agenda” during his time as a healthcare lobbyist, with the narrator mockingly questioning, “His pronouns? Money-grubbing liberal.” Meanwhile, Morrisey’s supporters have hit back, accusing Miller of failing to protect traditional values during his tenure on the board of Marshall University.
This focus on transgender issues is not only surprising but also somewhat perplexing to voters and political strategists alike. Greg Thomas, a Republican strategist based in the Mountain State, expressed bewilderment at the heavy emphasis on transgender topics, suggesting that it has spiraled beyond the candidates’ control. “It’s amazing the way they’ve made that the focus,” echoed Charleston-based political strategist Tom Susman, highlighting a disconnect between the political rhetoric and the actual concerns of West Virginians.
Despite the noisy campaign trail, recent polls indicate that the primary concerns for West Virginia’s GOP voters remain rooted in economic issues, healthcare, and education—not transgender rights. An Emerson College Polling/The Hill survey highlighted that while economic worries and border security are top of mind for the vast majority of voters, only 54 percent expressed high concern over transgender issues.
This intense focus on transgender rights by the candidates has significant implications for the transgender community in West Virginia—a community already navigating a challenging landscape. The state has passed several measures restricting transgender rights, including bans on gender-affirming healthcare for minors and legislation preventing transgender athletes from participating in sports teams that align with their gender identity.
For transgender individuals and their families in West Virginia, the heightened political rhetoric can feel alienating and threatening. Ash Orr, a transgender and reproductive rights organizer, described this year’s legislative session as particularly challenging. “But I try to remind myself and others to look at how far we’ve come,” Orr stated, emphasizing resilience in the face of adversity.
The political maneuvering and contentious advertising campaigns underscore a broader national trend where transgender rights are increasingly becoming a litmus test for conservatism. This trend is worrying for advocates of transgender rights, who see these political tactics as a diversion from more pressing issues that affect all West Virginians.
As West Virginia approaches its primary elections, the spotlight on transgender issues serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by transgender individuals in the state. While politicians may shift their focus after the elections, for many in the transgender community, the impact of this political season will linger, affecting their rights and their daily lives.
For our readers at Transvitae.com and allies of the transgender community, it’s crucial to stay informed and engaged in the political process, advocating for inclusivity and understanding. Political campaigns frequently use fabricated narratives to obscure the real and legitimate experiences of transgender people, experiences that deserve respect and recognition.
In the spirit of education and empowerment, we continue to support the transgender community in West Virginia and beyond, striving for a future where all can live freely and authentically. The political tides will ebb and flow, but the commitment to advancing transgender rights and understanding must remain steadfast.
