2016 West Virginia elections

Incumbent Democrat Earl Ray Tomblin was term-limited from running again in 2016. State Senate President Bill Cole ran unopposed in the Republican primary contest, while businessman Jim Justice defeated multiple opponents in the Democratic primary contest. The state's Republican trend, coupled with past scandals surrounding Justice's unpaid taxes and business controversies, made the race extremely competitive. Justice went on to narrowly win the election, capturing 49.1% of the vote.[3] Justice would go on to switch party affiliation just months after being in office, announcing he would become a Republican at an August 4, 2017 rally with President Trump.[4]

Republican incumbent Patrick Morrisey successfully sought re-election, defeating State Representative Doug Reynolds, and capturing 51.63% of the vote.[8]

Republican challenger Mac Warner defeated incumbent Democrat Natalie Tennant who had held the position since 2008. He captured 48.52% of the vote.[9]

Democratic incumbent John Perdue, who had held the West Virginia State Treasurer's position since 1996, was re-elected with 50.33% of the vote. He defeated Republican challenger and businesswoman Ann Urling. Perdue became the only Democrat to hold statewide office in West Virginia after Governor Justice's party switch in 2017.[10]

Republican JB McCuskey was elected with 58.48% of the vote over Democrat Mary Ann Clayton. This marks the first time since 1928 that a Republican had won the office. The seat was open after the resignation of Democrat Glen Glainer III, who had held the office since 1992. In May 2016, Lisa Hopkins was appointed as interim Auditor until the election.[11]

2016 West Virginia Agriculture Commissioner Election

Candidate Kent Leonhardt Walt Hemlick Buddy Guthrie Party Republican Democratic Libertarian Popular vote 321,560 274,191 68,502 Percentage 48.4% 41.3% 10.3%

Elected in 2012, incumbent Agriculture Commissioner Walt Helmick was defeated by Republican challenger Kent Leonhardt.[12]