W.Va. gubernatorial candidates share views on J.D. Vance

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) - West Virginia’s Democratic and Republican gubernatorial candidates offered differing perspectives on the recently announced Republican nominee for Vice President.

Republican nominee and current West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey praised Ohio Senator J.D. Vance for being a political outsider whom he believes will understand the needs of Appalachian voters.

“I’m really looking forward to this, and I think it’s a good pick for West Virginia as well, because you’re going to have someone as the next vice president who’s really going to understand the nature of the drug problem in our state and the importance of empowering our citizens, lifting up our standard of living, driving educational attainment,” Morrisey said. “He knows that. And he’s a marine to boot, so that’s a big plus.”

Democratic nominee and Huntington Mayor Steve Williams criticized the attitude Vance expressed toward Appalachia in his memoir “Hillbilly Elegy.”

“Everything that he is stating about Appalachia and framing about Appalachia and the people of Appalachia and the struggles that we have had within our communities--he is holding onto the stigma that has been placed on Appalachians and that I have been fighting my entire life to overcome that stereotype,” Williams said.

Williams also criticized Vance’s positions on reproductive rights.

Morrisey added that he believes Vance can appeal to a diverse range of voters.

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