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.
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.
Less than three weeks before West Virginia’s primary election, former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship on Wednesday asked a federal judge to throw out his criminal mine safety conviction.
