Democratic candidates Williams, Elliott push to end campaign | News, Sports, Vacancies

CHARLESTON – With just over a week left until the general election ends on Tuesday, November 5, two Democratic candidates have no intention of being ignored, and they want to support those who also feel ignored by those in Charleston and on Capitol Hill.

Speaking last Tuesday to a group of people representing the black community, people living in poverty, women and other marginalized groups, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Steve Williams and Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Glenn Elliott knew they had an uphill battle ahead.

Williams, the three-term mayor of Huntington, and Elliott, the former two-term mayor of Wheeling, spoke Tuesday night – the day before early voting began – at a “Meet the Candidates” event hosted by the West Virginia NAACP at First Baptist Church of Shrewsbury street near downtown Charleston.

Ten years ago, Williams’ resume would have made him a top-tier candidate for a major political party. He is a native of West Virginia; a graduate of West Virginia University and Marshall University, where he played on the famed Young Thundering Herd football team; successful businessman; and former member of the House of Delegates.

Williams took office as Huntington’s mayor in 2013, avoiding a significant city budget deficit. In a city once gripped by an opioid crisis, 28 heroin overdoses were reported in a single day in four hours. Williams created teams to quickly respond to overdose problems, worked to implement treatment options and then joined Cabell County in filing an ongoing lawsuit against the nation’s largest opioid manufacturers and distributors.

During his tenure as mayor, the city was awarded a $3 million award for being selected as one of America’s Best Communities. The city’s budget now runs a modest surplus, bond ratings have improved, and essential services are funded. Now Huntington is using its money for additional grants to improve the city. And while the state continues to have a substance use disorder crisis, the city is doing a good job of tackling the problem.

“I’m running for governor because I know if I can do it in Huntington, we can do it in West Virginia.” Williams told the crowd Tuesday. “My mission is not to become governor of West Virginia. My mission is to see this state transform. If becoming governor allows me – along with you – to do just that, then God will look down on us and give us the opportunity to perform miracles.”

But despite Williams’ resume and optimism, he continues to lag in financial support for Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, the Republican candidate for governor. Morrisey beat Williams 10 to 1. In the latest WV MetroNews West Virginia poll released in late August, 49% of respondents said they would vote for Morrisey and 35% said they would vote for Williams, with 5% preferring another candidate and 11% are unsure.

In the same poll, Williams’ name was the lowest among political leaders listed, with 25% positive ratings, 18% negative ratings and 57% unsure. Back in May, there were rumors that Williams, who ran unopposed in the primary, was being pressured to drop out in favor of U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, who threw his hat in the ring. But Manchin finally denied such a move shortly before he switched from Democrat to Independent.

Williams knows he’s the underdog in the governor’s race, but he won’t let Morrisey win without a fight. Williams’ first television ad aired Wednesday. And on Tuesday, Oct. 29, Williams will go head-to-head with Morrisey in a debate at Fairmont State University moderated by WV MetroNews talk host Hoppy Kercheval.

“The reality… is that this state needs leadership; leadership that will ensure opportunity for everyone in the state of West Virginia, not just the individuals supported by the money changers.” – said Williams. “It doesn’t matter what color you are, what gender you are, who you love, what you do, the whole point is that everyone has the opportunity to serve each other.”

Morrisey may view Williams as a serious opponent, but Glenn Elliott does not enjoy the same level of respect from Gov. Jim Justice, the Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate who will succeed Manchin next year. Justice not only refuses to discuss his Democratic opponent, but is now leaving the state to campaign in Pennsylvania and North Carolina for former Republican President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential contest with Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris.

“I am Glenn Elliott, running for the United States Senate, running against Jim Justice, who, like many other candidates, is not here today,” – Elliott said. “I would encourage you to find a Senate candidate who has worked harder over the last year than I have.”

Elliott, who was limited to two four-year terms as Wheeling mayor, told the crowd about efforts during his tenure to strengthen the city’s Human Rights Commission, becoming the first government in the state to recognize and enact a Crown Act on June 10 prohibiting discrimination due to hairstyles and passing a resolution recognizing racism as a public health crisis. Elliott said he achieved those goals in a bipartisan manner.

“I said that because Wheeling is a very culturally conservative city, much more culturally conservative than perhaps here in Charleston,” he said. – Elliott said. “We managed to get it done with a 7-0 vote on the City Council, including three or four of my City Council members who are politically very right-wing — but we talk to each other. We listened to people, we really met people where they are and found a way to come together on these consensual issues to move our city forward.”

Other groups participating in Tuesday’s forum included members of various black fraternities and sororities, Tuesday Morning Group, West Virginia Can’t Wait, West Virginia Citizens Action Group, West Virginia Citizens for Clean Elections, Rise Up West Virginia, ACLU, Moms . Demand Action, Black Voter Influence Initiative and The Links, Incorporated.

“We really came together because this is a serious issue,” said Karen Williams, a former educator and community activist who served as emcee at Tuesday’s event. “Over the years, I have learned that we must collaborate because one group may have 30 members and another group may have 50, but when we come together, we are a force. We need to do something and we’re going to vote.”

“We said this is the most important election of our lives, and it is,” said Barbara Carey, a former employee of West Virginia State University, one of West Virginia’s two historically black colleges and universities. “We don’t just vote for ourselves; we vote for future generations.”

All candidates for the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, governors, state constitutional offices, legislative candidates and candidates for county offices were invited to Tuesday’s event. But other than Republican Deputy Agriculture Commissioner Kent Leonhardt and the Republican candidate for the Kanawha County Commission, no other Republican candidates were in attendance.

Tuesday’s forum was intended not only to give candidates a chance to speak, but also for people to raise issues with candidates for consideration. Williams was asked about the challenges of protecting women’s reproductive rights, the state’s horrific health statistics and the appointment of members of marginalized groups to judgeships in open circuit courts.

Ultimately, Williams told the crowd Tuesday night that nothing can change on the issues they care about unless they can motivate people to vote, make their voices heard at the ballot box and force those in power after the election November 5th. I won’t forget them.

“It’s been said a couple of times here tonight that somebody needs to do something.” – said Williams. “Well then, each of us must look in the mirror and determine what our responsibility will be? What task is given to each of us for this?

“Ladies and gentlemen, this is how we approached things in Huntington and really made a difference.” Williams continued. “That is what we will do here in West Virginia to bring prosperity to our state… We are committed to bringing prosperity to our state, and we will set the standard that the rest of the nation will strive to follow. West Virginians will lead the way.”