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Patrick Morrisey
2025 - Present
2029
0
Patrick Morrisey (Republican Party) is the Governor of West Virginia. He assumed office on January 13, 2025. His current term ends on January 15, 2029.
In his campaign for governor, Morrisey ran on his work as attorney general: "I’m the only proven conservative running with a record of taking on the far left, the political elites and anyone else who threatens our way of life. And we win."[1][2]
Morrisey was born in New York and grew up in Edison, New Jersey.[3] Morrisey earned a B.A. in history and political science from Rutgers College and a J.D. from Rutgers Law School-Newark.[4] From 1999 to 2004, Morrisey worked as the staff director and chief healthcare counsel to the House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee. He ran for Congress in 2000 and lost in the Republican primary in New Jersey's 7th Congressional District. Morrisey worked as a lawyer and lobbyist in Washington D.C. from 2004 to 2012.[5] In 2006, he moved to Jefferson County, West Virginia.[6]
In 2012, Morrisey ran for Attorney General of West Virginia, defeating five-term incumbent Darrell McGraw (D) 51.2%-48.8% to become the first Republican to hold the office since 1933.[7] Morrisey's margin of victory expanded with each election he won, growing from 2.4% in 2012 to 27.6% in 2020.
Morrisey ran for U.S. Senate in 2018 while serving as attorney general. He won the Republican primary with 34.9% of the vote, defeating Evan Jenkins, Don Blankenship, and three other opponents, but lost to incumbent Joe Manchin III (D) 49.6%-46.3% in the general election.
As attorney general, Morrisey filed an amicus brief in 2021 on behalf of West Virginia and 20 other states challenging the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency. The case concerned the EPA's wetland regulatory jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act. In a unanimous decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against the EPA, limiting the agency's jurisdiction.[8] Morrisey said, “Today is a big day for farmers, homebuilders, contractors, property owners and those who care about economic activity not being subject to overreach by the federal government."[9]
Morrisey brought litigation against several national pharmacy chains, alleging they played a role in the opioid crisis, eventually settling for a total of more than $1 billion. Morrisey argued against restrictions on a right to own firearms and challenged the legality of the Affordable Care Act.[1]
Biography
Patrick Morrisey was born in New Jersey and lives in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. He earned a B.A. in history and political science from Rutgers College in 1989 and a J.D. from Rutgers Law School-Newark, in 1992. His career experience includes working as an attorney, with experience on regulatory issues, Medicare, Medicaid, policy, fraud and abuse investigations, legislative matters, strategic counseling, and legal and policy challenges to federal statutes and regulations. Between 1999 and 2004, Morrisey served as the deputy staff director and chief health care counsel to the House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee.[10]
Political career
Below is a list of offices within Ballotpedia’s scope. Offices outside of that scope will not be listed. If an update is needed and the office is within our scope, please contact us.
Morrisey's political career includes the following offices:
- 2025-present: Governor of West Virginia
- 2013-2025: Attorney General of West Virginia
Elections
2024
See also: West Virginia gubernatorial election, 2024
General election
General election for Governor of West Virginia
The following candidates ran in the general election for Governor of West Virginia on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Patrick Morrisey (R) | 62.0 | 459,300 |
 | Steve Williams (D)  | 31.6 | 233,976 | |
 | Erika Kolenich (L) | 2.9 | 21,228 | |
 | S. Marshall Wilson (Constitution Party) | 2.3 | 16,828 | |
 | Chase Linko-Looper (Mountain Party) | 1.3 | 9,596 | |
| William Meadows (Independent) (Write-in) | 0.0 | 5 | ||
 | Quintin Gerard Caldwell (Independent) (Write-in) | 0.0 | 3 | |
| Troy Green (Independent) (Write-in) | 0.0 | 2 | ||
| Total votes: 740,938 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Governor of West Virginia
Steve Williams advanced from the Democratic primary for Governor of West Virginia on May 14, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Steve Williams | 100.0 | 89,576 |
| Total votes: 89,576 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Republican primary election
Republican primary for Governor of West Virginia
The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for Governor of West Virginia on May 14, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Patrick Morrisey | 33.3 | 75,146 |
 | Moore Capito | 27.5 | 62,224 | |
 | Chris Miller | 20.4 | 46,062 | |
 | Mac Warner | 16.0 | 36,199 | |
| Mitch Roberts | 1.4 | 3,142 | ||
 | Kevin Christian | 1.4 | 3,093 | |
| Total votes: 225,866 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- John B. McCuskey (R)
- Rashida Yost (R)
Mountain Party primary election
Mountain Party primary for Governor of West Virginia
Chase Linko-Looper advanced from the Mountain Party primary for Governor of West Virginia on May 14, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Chase Linko-Looper | 100.0 | 382 |
| Total votes: 382 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
Morrisey received the following endorsements.
- TX Attorney General Ken Paxton (R)
- WV Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt (R)
- Frmr. FL Attorney General Pam Bondi (Nonpartisan)
- Frmr. Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell
- Frmr. President Donald Trump (R)
- Frmr. acting Attorney General of the United States Matt Whitaker (R)
- Americans for Prosperity
- Citizens United Political Victory Fund
- Club for Growth
- National Association for Gun Rights
- National Rifle Association of America Political Victory Fund
- Veterans for America First
- Veterans for American First
- West Virginia Coal Association
- Vivek Ramaswamy (R) -
2020
See also: West Virginia Attorney General election, 2020
West Virginia Attorney General election, 2020 (June 9 Democratic primary)
West Virginia Attorney General election, 2020 (June 9 Republican primary)
General election
General election for Attorney General of West Virginia
Incumbent Patrick Morrisey defeated Sam Petsonk in the general election for Attorney General of West Virginia on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Patrick Morrisey (R) | 63.8 | 487,250 |
 | Sam Petsonk (D) | 36.2 | 276,798 | |
| Total votes: 764,048 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Attorney General of West Virginia
Sam Petsonk defeated Isaac Sponaugle in the Democratic primary for Attorney General of West Virginia on June 9, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Sam Petsonk | 50.1 | 86,490 |
 | Isaac Sponaugle | 49.9 | 86,263 | |
| Total votes: 172,753 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Republican primary election
Republican primary for Attorney General of West Virginia
Incumbent Patrick Morrisey advanced from the Republican primary for Attorney General of West Virginia on June 9, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Patrick Morrisey | 100.0 | 175,292 |
| Total votes: 175,292 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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2018
General election
General election for U.S. Senate West Virginia
Incumbent Joe Manchin III defeated Patrick Morrisey and Rusty Hollen in the general election for U.S. Senate West Virginia on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Joe Manchin III (D) | 49.6 | 290,510 |
| Patrick Morrisey (R) | 46.3 | 271,113 | |
 | Rusty Hollen (L) | 4.2 | 24,411 | |
| Total votes: 586,034 (100.00% precincts reporting) | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. Senate West Virginia
Incumbent Joe Manchin III defeated Paula Jean Swearengin in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate West Virginia on May 8, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Joe Manchin III | 69.9 | 112,658 |
 | Paula Jean Swearengin | 30.1 | 48,594 | |
| Total votes: 161,252 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Chase Henderson (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. Senate West Virginia
The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate West Virginia on May 8, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Patrick Morrisey | 34.9 | 48,007 |
 | Evan Jenkins | 29.2 | 40,185 | |
 | Don Blankenship | 20.0 | 27,478 | |
 | Tom Willis | 9.8 | 13,540 | |
| Bo Copley | 3.1 | 4,248 | ||
| Jack Newbrough | 3.0 | 4,115 | ||
| Total votes: 137,573 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Scott Ernst (R)
2016
Incumbent Patrick Morrisey defeated Doug Reynolds, Karl Kolenich, and Michael Sharley in the West Virginia attorney general election.
| West Virginia Attorney General, 2016 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican |  Patrick Morrisey Incumbent |
51.63% | 358,424 | |
| Democratic | Doug Reynolds | 41.95% | 291,232 | |
| Libertarian | Karl Kolenich | 3.46% | 24,023 | |
| Mountain Party | Michael Sharley | 2.95% | 20,475 | |
| Total Votes | 694,154 | |||
| Source: West Virginia Secretary of State | ||||
Incumbent Patrick Morrisey ran unopposed in the Republican primary for attorney general.
| Republican primary for Attorney General, 2016 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
| Patrick Morrisey Incumbent (unopposed) |
100.00% | 157,369 |
| Total Votes (1,745 of 1,745 precincts reporting) | 157,369 | |
| Source: MetroNews | ||
2012
| Attorney General of West Virginia General Election, 2012 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Democratic | Darrell McGraw Incumbent | 48.8% | 267,135 | |
| Republican | Patrick Morrisey |
51.2% | 280,695 | |
| Total Votes | 547,830 | |||
| Election results West Virginia Secretary of State Election Results Center | ||||
2000
Morrisey was a 2000 Republican primary election candidate for New Jersey's 7th Congressional District.
| U.S. House of Representatives-New Jersey, District 7 Republican Primary, 2000 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
| Mike Ferguson |
42.5% | 10,504 |
| Tom Kean Jr. | 20.7% | 5,115 |
| Joel M. Weingarten | 27.7% | 6,838 |
| Patrick Morrisey | 9.1% | 2,237 |
| Total Votes | 24,694 | |
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Patrick Morrisey did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.
Campaign website
Morrisey’s campaign website stated the following:
| “ |
Issues Electing a Proven Conservative, Fighter, and Winner as Governor In this campaign, many candidates will make promises. One candidate, however, has an unmatched conservative record of delivering victories on the most important challenges facing West Virginians. Only one candidate is a proven conservative who has faced down the far-left and the political elites and won, time after time after time. From precedent-setting wins against the deep state on federal overreach (West Virginia v. EPA) to protecting our West Virginia jobs (See Waters of the US case) to upholding West Virginia school choice and charter school laws, to winning the highest per capita drug settlements in the nation (in the face of aggressive smear campaigns by the opposition) to running one of the most efficient and successful offices in state government (generating and protecting over two billion dollars in value for West Virginia taxpayers) to taking on the woke-left and socialist policies, including their ESG and radical climate agenda, to defending the sanctity of life and the integrity of women’s sports, to advancing our Second Amendment rights, to blocking the forced jab, NO other candidate can come close to matching Morrisey’s record of accomplishment. In the upcoming primary, West Virginians need to elect someone with a proven record— not just someone who will make promises. The stakes are too high for us to put someone in the Governor’s Office who is very inexperienced or who would get crushed by the forces on the other side. We need someone principled, experienced, and effective — that is Patrick Morrisey. Defeating Federal Overreach and the Deep State Patrick Morrisey is the only candidate for Governor with a long record of taking on and winning fights against federal overreach that kills West Virginia jobs. Morrisey spearheaded the country’s single biggest separation of powers victory against federal agency overreach in years when he led a massive coalition of states against the EPA and stopped their unlawful carbon emissions rule. Now, West Virginia v. EPA is cited as a central case in efforts to help dismantle the size and scope of the administrative state. Equally important, Morrisey’s wins saved thousands of West Virginia jobs. Separately, Morrisey led a 25-state coalition case to block the Biden, “so-called” waters of the US rule. If you are a farmer, a contractor, a realtor, a property owner, or just someone who cares about economic activity, this rule is an abomination. Morrisey and a massive state coalition helped ensure that a backyard ditch or an ephemeral stream would not be classified as a federally navigable waterway, such as the Ohio, the Mississippi, or the Potomac. The Attorney General is known as one of the most aggressive and successful advocates in the nation against overreaching government. These efforts are crucial for preserving freedom and West Virginia jobs. As Governor, Morrisey will supercharge these efforts because now he will have the full weight and authority of state government behind him. Imagine how much federal and state overreach can be pushed back when dozens of state agencies are all moving in the same direction, instead of just the Attorney General’s office. As Governor, Morrisey will conduct a comprehensive regulatory review and get rid of wasteful, unneeded, and duplicative regulations. West Virginia will serve as a model for the nation in terms of protecting our citizens’ freedoms. Cut Taxes, Wipe Out the State Income Tax, and Put More Money in People’s Pockets Patrick Morrisey believes that a tax on income is an incentive to work less. West Virginia must join the ranks of the states that don’t have an income tax. If we want to successfully compete against all of the states that we touch, we need to have THE lowest personal income tax in the region. We also need to engage in comprehensive tax reform and compare all of West Virginia’s taxes to the states which we touch. We will better compete in the modern economy when we are free and not penalized for engaging in commerce. Build out Broadband West Virginia deserves internet that doesn’t move at the speed of slow. As Attorney General, Morrisey took on companies that had bad consumer practices and has fought to get them to live up to the law and their promises. Morrisey brought in a $160 million settlement against Frontier and aggressively promotes additional speed expansions which help West Virginia individuals and businesses. As Governor, Morrisey will prioritize broadband build outs that allow West Virginia to better attract citizens to our state. In today’s era, broadband is a central part of a state’s physical infrastructure. Stop Woke-Initiatives and Federal Overreach at the West Virginia Border Attorney General Patrick Morrisey will stop federal overreach and woke ideas at the West Virginia line. As Governor, he will build upon his many successes blocking the federal government from destroying our culture and values and will establish an Executive Task Force, comprised of the Governor, the Attorney General, and other key state officials, who will be charged with identifying initiatives that require rebutting from West Virginia state government. West Virginia will remain that shining state in the mountains, and we will protect our jobs, our kids, our values, our freedoms, and our Constitution from external threats and the political elites. Advance Educational Attainment and Make WV a National Leader in Educational Choice and Charter Schools As Attorney General, Patrick Morrisey successfully defended our state’s school choice and charter school laws. As Governor, Morrisey will build upon these programs and push for money to follow the child. West Virginia should have the most expansive school choice law in the nation. He will conduct a review of teacher salaries and educational bureaucracies in all of the states that we touch to determine how West Virginia can compete more effectively for the best teachers in the region — West Virginia teachers deserve a raise, and our state must commit to their long-term success so our best educators don’t move to our neighboring states Protect our Second Amendment Rights Attorney General Patrick Morrisey is a national leader defending our Second Amendment rights and has maintained an A+ rating from a number of the prominent gun groups, including the National Rifle Association, and the West Virginia Citizens Defense League. He is also endorsed by the prominent Gun Owners of America. Morrisey is currently leading the national coalition of 25 states against the Biden Administration’s so-called pistol brace rule, which would transform millions of Americans into felons. He previously led the way for constitutional carry and has increased the number of states where West Virginia has gun reciprocity to 38. He has made protecting gun rights a major priority — no one else can come near his pro-gun record. As Attorney General, Morrisey is considered one of the most reliable and effective advocates for gun rights in the country. As Governor, he will do even more and ensure West Virginia is a safe haven from the crazy woke activists advocating for a constitutionally suspect, pro-gun control agenda. Protect Life and Advance Pro-Family Policies Attorney General Patrick Morrisey is the first pro-life Attorney General in state history and is currently defending the state’s laws regulating abortion. Morrisey has helped lead the way to make West Virginia a pro-life state and will continue being a staunch advocate for the unborn as Governor. Morrisey has been endorsed by West Virginians for Life repeatedly and has the best record in the field protecting babies. As Governor, he will work to help low-income moms who bring their children to term so that West Virginia’s culture of protecting life continues to extend beyond birth. Defend Integrity of Women’s Sports Attorney General Patrick Morrisey has been one of the nation’s most outspoken advocates against biological males playing sports with women. He is defending the state’s women’s sports law and pushing back aggressively against the Biden Administration’s efforts to turn Title IX on its head and force college institutions to allow males to play in women’s sports, or face loss of federal monies. Morrisey believes the left’s agenda is grossly unfair and displaces women who want to compete and rely on sports to develop leadership skills. Morrisey’s office has developed a national model for how to attack the left’s attack on women’s sports and has generated thousands of pages of evidence showing the biological differences between men and women. As Governor, Morrisey won’t have to take a poll to know the difference between the sexes. He knows about the danger of hormone blockers and these drugs administered to young kids, some of whom started receiving transition treatments as young as age 7 or 8. This is wrong and must end. Stop the Drug and Fentanyl Plague Killing our Citizens As Attorney General, Patrick Morrisey took on the big companies who helped fuel the drug epidemic in our state, and he held them accountable with all of the tools at his disposal. Morrisey is widely regarded as securing some of the highest per-capita settlements in the nation against drug companies for their role in the drug epidemic. Even more importantly, though, Morrisey worked with the counties, the cities, the Legislature and the Governor to develop a new structure that will allow West Virginia, for the first time ever, to attack the drug plague holistically, from a supply, demand, and educational perspective. West Virginia now has a plan AND resources to fight the drug problem. Beyond litigation against the drug companies, Morrisey has also successfully attacked the root causes of the drug epidemic. In 2017, Morrisey sued the DEA, and forced them to rewrite the nation’s drug quota laws. This was a significant victory and has greatly reduced the oversupplying of legal drugs in our country. Morrisey was also out in front developing educational programs and fostering partnerships with schools of nursing and pharmacy to look out for the children of our state, so that they better understand the perils of these dangerous drug products (Kids Kick Opioids and Opioid Awareness Games of the Week are now very popular in WV). As Governor, Morrisey plans to build upon the assets of the West Virginia First Foundation and rely upon it as a magnet to attract additional resources from the private sector and others to ensure we don’t lose another generation to senseless death. Right now, West Virginia is facing a fentanyl menace and a massive oversupply of these dangerous drugs. Our state must take additional steps to beef up our law enforcement presence in border counties, and also pressure the federal government to do its job, including labeling fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction and increasing the amount of federal prosecutions and enforcement activity. Focus on Rapidly Increasing Workforce Participation Fixing the workforce participation rate problem needs to be a top priority for our next Governor. For far too long, West Virginia has maintained the lowest workforce participation rate in the country. Some statistics suggest West Virginia may have over 65,000 jobs available, yet many of those jobs go unfilled for long stretches of time. As Governor, Morrisey will unleash an aggressive strategy to ensure that more people know about these open positions, and regulatory, financial, licensing, or other barriers are eliminated to make it easier to fill these slots. One way of improving workforce participation will be to increase dramatically the vo-tech educational opportunities in our state and apprenticeships and internships available for students after high school. Morrisey will build closer partnerships with employers across West Virginia to develop a feeder system for employment after high school, which will also help send a message to our youth: there is no reason to leave West Virginia to find a job. West Virginia needs more plumbers, contractors, electricians, truckers, and individuals in a wide variety of fields who would benefit from vo-tech education. Broad Review of Executive Branch and State Agency Structure to Ensure Basic Needs of Law Enforcement, Corrections, Foster Care, and Essential Agencies If you are going to have a state agency exist, then it needs to be run the right way and managed effectively with proper resources. When a state function has 70 percent of its jobs open, state government must step in and make some hard choices. Is this a problem that can be resolved under antiquated state laws or can the state government better resolve the problem by changing the laws or recruiting the private sector for assistance? We must improve oversight of executive agencies and ensure that the state’s focus on workforce participation also includes attracting people to fill critical state government roles in the areas of law enforcement, corrections, foster care, and other essential areas. This means taking a close look at PEIA and once again ensuring that our state’s ability to pay its own workers is competitive with other states that we touch. Health Care Before becoming Attorney General, Patrick Morrisey was a long-time accomplished health care attorney who developed innovative and dynamic policies to address health care access, affordability, cost, and innovation challenges. As Attorney General, Morrisey has been a leading advocate against fraudulent, wasteful, and abusive practices that harm our citizens. As Governor, Morrisey will establish a new Task Force to evaluate and recommend changes to the health care systems in our state and ensure that West Virginians have affordable health care policies and access to the healthcare items and services they deserve. Morrisey plans to bring a number of these changes about by eliminating West Virginia’s certificate of need laws, and other policies which makes it difficult for new healthcare providers to locate in our state. Promoting freedom must also mean ending the protectionist policies which restrict competition and innovation. Our nation is in a period of great technological advancement; we can’t afford to be held back as a state by antiquated policies that block competition. Morrisey has been a champion of expanding telemedicine access as Attorney General; he will work to eliminate even more regulatory barriers to telemedicine services as Governor. Save Small Businesses West Virginia’s economy is powered by our small businesses. However, “Bidenomics”-caused inflation and increased regulatory pressures have tremendously hurt small businesses in West Virginia. It’s simple — the far-left’s radical agenda favors woke corporations at the expense of Mom and Pop shops and the middle class. We need a leader who will promote economic development and discard overbearing regulations to allow a level-playing field that makes it easier for small business to enter the marketplace.[11] |
” |
| —Patrick Morrisey’s campaign website (2024)[12] | ||
2020
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2018
Campaign website
Morrisey's campaign website stated the following:
| “ |
Fighting Substance Abuse
“Morrisey, who has taken a leadership role in the battle against substance abuse in West Virginia, is taking to the national stage to battle the problem.” (7/22/17)
“no state official has been more effective in the struggle against drug abuse” (10/15/16) In July, Attorney General Morrisey received widespread praise for forcing the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to change its opioid distribution quota rules: Weirton Daily Times Editorial: "Good for Morrisey... The attorney general deserves enormous credit." Martinsburg Journal News Editorial: "Thank Morrisey for prompting action the DEA should’ve taken in the first place." The Dominion Post: "DEA changes policy after Morrisey sues" Morrisey also significantly ramped up the state’s educational efforts to fight substance abuse, holding hundreds of seminars and public meetings to educate kids, community leaders, and seniors. He also formed the state’s first partnership between the U.S. Attorney’s office and the Attorney General’s to assist in the criminal prosectution of drug dealers. As U.S. Senator, Morrisey will work with local, state, and federal authorities to better coordinate law enforcement efforts between these groups. He will continue to promote cost-effective treatment options for patients and press for tougher sentences for drug kingpins and he will continue tackling the problem holistically in the U.S. Senate, from a supply, demand, and educational perspective. Morrisey understands the drug epidemic touches the lives of all West Virginians, and we must do more for those who need the treatment to get better in the head and in the heart, so all can live full and purpose-filled lives. Jobs and Economy As a result of President Trump’s tax cuts, West Virginia families are seeing more money in their pockets, unemployment rates continue to drop, and many hardworking West Virginians are receiving bonuses and pay raises. Not only has President Trump delivered for West Virginia taxpayers, West Virginia job creators are increasingly able to compete again on the global stage due to lower tax rates. Many have begun giving out bonuses and increased benefits to employees as a result of the Trump tax cuts. Morrisey believes that more must be done to protect the tax cuts, as Washington liberals have pledged to repeal the tax cuts. He knows we must also continue to simplify the tax code, and make tax cuts for individuals permanent. Unfortunately, Sen. Manchin voted no when President Trump and West Virginians asked him to cut taxes. Instead of helping President Trump, Joe Manchin sided with Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer in opposing tax cuts for the American people. Burdensome Regulations West Virginia is still suffering from President Obama’s reckless regulatory policies and executive actions. Congress can help undo some of the damage by permanently repealing Obama’s onerous regulations. President Trump has cut more regulations in this short amount of time than even Ronald Reagan, which has helped many West Virginia job creators compete again. There’s more work to be done on rolling back Obama’s burdensome regulations and many liberals in Washington want to stop the efforts of President Trump. Attorney General Patrick Morrisey led the charge against many of Obama’s excessive and unconstitutional regulations. Morrisey’s efforts have been essential in protecting West Virginia jobs from the attacks of the federal government. Infrastructure Morrisey believes West Virginia must continue to invest in its infrastructure to meet the needs of its citizens and businesses. For West Virginia to reach its potential, it must improve its roads, bridges, dams, and high-speed internet capacity. As Attorney General, Morrisey reached a record-breaking settlement with Frontier Communications that required the company to invest $150 million into the state’s high-speed internet infrastructure. As U.S. Senator, he will promote the state and encourage new private sector companies to locate here. Fiscal Responsibility Growing up in a working-class family gave Morrisey an appreciation for how to stretch a dollar. As Attorney General, he has worked to protect taxpayer dollars, voluntarily returning over $40 million to the state general fund and state agencies. In 2016, Morrisey initiated the first-ever disability fraud unit in the Attorney General’s office, saving taxpayers over $11 million in alittle over two years. As U.S. Senator, Morrisey will work to promote additional federal-state partnerships to combat fraud, waste, and abuse. With the country’s debt spiraling out of control under President Obama, Morrisey wants to permanently curb Washington’s appetite for spending. Morrisey supports a Balanced Budget Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to force Washington to balance its books just like West Virginia families do every day. Second Amendment Sen. Manchin’s failed record on the Second Amendment Manchin authored Obama's aggressive gun grab legislation, opposed constitutional carry in West Virginia, and sought to restrict and criminalize the private transfers of firearms between honest citizens. Joe Manchin has been no friend of the Second Amendment and West Virginia gun owners. Radical gun-control liberals like Hillary Clinton and Michael Bloomberg have spent millions of dollars supporting Manchin. Manchin has also expressed concerns about the Constitutional right to due process and has made derogatory remarks about NRA members. While West Virginia stood with a pro-Second Amendment leader like Donald Trump, Joe Manchin stood with the most anti-gun presidential candidates in American History, Hillary Clinton. The choice could not be more clear when it comes to West Virginians’ God-given right to protect themselves and their families. Far too often, Sen. Manchin has stood with the radical coastal elites who want to take away guns from law-abiding citizens. Meanwhile, Attorney General Patrick Morrisey has led the charge to protect the Constitutional rights of West Virginians. Right to Life Patrick is 100 percent pro-life and has been endorsed by West Virginians for Life and the National Right To Life. Patrick helped lead the effort to pass the Pain-Capable law in West Virginia, and has called for the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Patrick has opposed all taxpayer funding of Planned Parenthood and was a leader in standing for religious liberty in the Hobby Lobby decision. Meanwhile, liberal Joe Manchin continues to vote to fund Planned Parenthood, has opposed pro-life judges, and voted for Hillary Clinton and her pro-abortion agenda. Energy National Security It is Morrisey’s fundamental belief that the United States has a deeply rooted moral responsibility to defend Israel’s right to exist. He will do everything in his power to defend the interest of our nations’ essential alliance. Illegal Immigration That is why Morrisey successfully filed suit against the Obama amnesty program and opposes sanctuary cities. Morrisey recently led a 10-state effort in support of President Trump’s anti-sanctuary city policy. Morrisey believes we need a comprehensive plan to tackle illegal immigration and protect our country, including more aggressive efforts to track the flow of visitors into our country; building a wall; establishing more thorough vetting of security risks, and pushing greater coordination between law enforcement agencies. Constitutional Conservative Values The U. S. Senate needs another constitutional conservative with the courage to defend the people’s rights against an expansive federal government. In the U. S. Senate, Morrisey will continue to ensure that no one – including the federal government – runs roughshod over West Virginia. Morrisey is a staunch advocate for religious freedom and was one of several Attorneys General to join the legal efforts supporting Hobby Lobby. Morrisey supports the nomination of conservative judges who will protect our constitutional rights and not legislate from the bench. Veterans Patrick Morrisey believes our Veterans and their families deserve the absolute best health care and benefits. The promises made to our Veterans must be kept, and Patrick is committed to standing up for the men and women who have served our country. Fighting for Our Seniors During his tenure as Attorney General, Morrisey stood strong for seniors, working to protect them from scams and consumer fraud. As U.S. Senator, Patrick Morrisey will look out for seniors and veterans and target government resources to those who need it most – this includes the many low-income West Virginians on fixed incomes who cannot afford changes to their retirement plans when they are enjoying their golden years. Health Care Term Limits |
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| —Morrisey for Senate[13] | ||
Campaign advertisements
The following is an example of an ad from Morrisey's 2018 election campaign.
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Campaign finance summary
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Notable endorsements
This section displays endorsements this individual made in elections within Ballotpedia's coverage scope.
Personal
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Morrisey has a wife and a stepdaughter.
See also
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External links
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Patrick Morrisey for Governor, "Issues," accessed March 25, 2024
- ↑ Associated Press, "West Virginia AG Patrick Morrisey announces bid for governor," April 4, 2023
- ↑ The Register-Herald, "Morrisey, Manchin will face off for Senate in November," May 9, 2018
- ↑ "Mountain Resident Patrick Morrisey To Run For State Attorney General," "Shannondale and Beyond," February 1, 2012
- ↑ The Westfield Leader Newspaper–The Times of Scotch Plains-Fanwood via archive.org, "Mr. Morrisey Feels Washington Experience Puts Him in Excellent Position for Upset," June 1, 2000
- ↑ [https://wvrecord.com/stories/510603797-ag-hopefuls-battle-to-the-end West Virginia Record, "AG hopefuls battle to the end," October 31, 2012
- ↑ West Virginia Record, "McGraw defeated, Morrisey the next W.Va. attorney general," November 6, 2012
- ↑ SCOTUSblog, "Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency," accessed March 26, 2024
- ↑ West Virginia Record, "Morrisey praises U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Clean Waters Act case," May 25, 2023
- ↑ Office of the WV Attorney General, "Meet the Attorney General," accessed December 12, 2024
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Morrisey for Governor, “Issues,” accessed September 24, 2024
- ↑ Patrick Morrisey for Senate, "Issues," accessed September 11, 2018
| Political offices | ||
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| Preceded by Jim Justice (R) |
Governor of West Virginia 2025-Present |
Succeeded by - |
| Preceded by - |
Attorney General of West Virginia 2013-2025 |
Succeeded by John B. McCuskey (R) |
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State of West Virginia Charleston (capital) |
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