Progressive Marine veteran seeks to reshape West Virginia politics

In a bid to challenge the coal industry's grip on West Virginia, Zach Shrewsbury, a Marine Corps veteran and community organizer, has launched his U.S. Senate campaign.

Dan Kaufman reports for The New Yorker.


In short:

  • Shrewsbury's campaign follows a populist approach, emphasizing job creation over coal reliance, seeking to pivot to renewable energy sources.
  • His grassroots strategy includes extensive traveling across West Virginia, engaging directly with voters and distributing essential supplies.
  • The political landscape is marked by a decline in union influence and the rise of Republican dominance attributed to economic grievances and industrial decline.

Key quote:

"I am of the working class. I am from our home. And I will fight for the everyday West Virginian."

— Zach Shrewsbury, U.S. Senate candidate

Why this matters:

Shrewsbury's campaign is poised to stir significant debate on the state's economic future, especially as environmental concerns grow and the demand for sustainable energy sources becomes more urgent.

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