These elected West Virginia Democrats ran on data centers, affordability and public education
Newly elected West Virginia Democrats campaigned on restoring local control over data center development, particularly in Jefferson County and the Eastern Panhandle. Their gains in the Legislature may give them more ability to challenge a 2025 law that placed data center decisions under state control.
Democrats who won seats in the West Virginia Legislature, including Jefferson County’s Jenny Thacker and House of Delegates member Lucia Valentine, campaigned against what they described as unregulated data center development and the loss of local authority. The issue was especially prominent in the Eastern Panhandle, where residents told Valentine they had little say in data center decisions.
The election increased the Democratic minority’s ability to force roll-call votes and slow legislation, although Republicans still hold a substantial majority. Democratic leaders and candidates said they intend to pursue local control and safeguards for communities, while Republican lawmakers said data centers, roads, water infrastructure and education would remain part of the legislative agenda. The article also notes that a 2025 law gave the state government primary control over data centers.