Charleston, W.Va.— GOpac today announced its slate of endorsements for the May 2026 primary election, highlighting a group of candidates committed to supporting West Virginia’s oil and natural gas industry, strengthening the state’s economy, and advancing policies that benefit working families and local communities.
The endorsements follow a thorough review process led by GOpac leadership, focused on identifying candidates who understand the critical role of domestic energy production and who have demonstrated a willingness to engage constructively on issues impacting the industry.
“GOpac’s endorsements are strategic and intentional,” said Rebecca McPhail, President Elect of the Gas and Oil Association of West Virginia. “We are supporting candidates who recognize the importance of West Virginia’s natural gas and oil industry to our state’s economy and who are prepared to lead on policies that promote growth, reliability, and opportunity.”
West Virginia’s oil and natural gas industry supports tens of thousands of jobs, delivers more than $1 billion annually in royalty payments to mineral owners, and plays a vital role in providing affordable, reliable energy to consumers across the region. GOpac’s endorsed candidates reflect a shared commitment to policies that sustain these benefits and position the state for continued energy leadership.
“These endorsements are just one part of a broader effort to ensure our industry has a strong and credible voice in the policymaking process,” McPhail added. “As the election cycle continues, GOpac will remain actively engaged, and additional endorsements are likely, particularly as we look toward the General Election.”
About GOpac
GOpac is the political action committee affiliated with the Gas and Oil Association of West Virginia. GOpac supports candidates who value responsible energy development and are committed to policies that promote economic growth, job creation, and energy reliability across the Mountain State.
GOpac 2026 Primary Endorsements
US Senate: Shelley Moore Capito
US House: Carol Miller – District 1
US House: Riley Moore – District 2
State Supreme Court: Gerald Titus, Tom Ewing
West Virginia State Senate:
Joe Eddy — District 1
Robert Dobkin — District 2
Jason Harshbarger — District 3*
Bob Fehrenbacher — District 3
Eric Tarr — District 4
Mark R. Maynard — District 6
Steven Eshenaur — District 8
Vince Deeds — District 10
Bill Hamilton — District 11
Ben Queen — District 12
Marc Harman — District 14
Darren Thorne — District 15
Jason Barrett — District 16
Tom Takubo — District 17
Anne Charnock — District 17*
*Special election to fill vacancy
West Virginia House of Delegates
Mark Zatezalo — District 2
Jeff Stephens — District 6
Bill Bell — District 8
Steve Thomas — District 9
Jeff S. Sandy — District 11
Vernon Criss — District 12
Scot Heckert — District 13
Erica J. Moore — District 15
“Happy” Joe Parsons — District 16
Jonathan Pinson — District 17
Daniel Linville — District 22
Sean Hornbuckle — District 25
Matthew Rohrbach — District 26
Ryan Browning — District 28
Roy G. Cooper — District 40
Jordan Maynor — District 41
Jeff Campbell — District 46
Ray Canterbury — District 47
Stanley Adkins — District 49
Marshall Clay — District 51
Tristan Leavitt — District 53
JB Akers — District 55
Dean Jeffries — District 61
Roger Hanshaw — District 62
Lori Dittman — District 63
Chris Phillips — District 68
Keith Marple — District 69
Tim McNeely — District 71
Clay Riley — District 72
Guy Ward — District 74
Joe Statler — District 77
David McCormick — District 82
George Street — District 83
Gary Howell — District 87
Wayne Clark — District 99
