West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin, a Democrat, won 75% of the vote in preliminary results from Tuesday’s primary against state House Del. Mel Kessler, D-Raleigh.
“I think [voters] looked at the last four years and our pledge to take on all the hard challenges,” Manchin told local newspapers Tuesday night. “I think the people have a comfort level, knowing that we’re going to work very hard for them.”
Manchin, who is seeking a second term in office, now turns his campaign toward the general election Nov. 4 where he will face former state Sen. Russ Weeks, R-Raleigh.
The governor can only serve two consecutive four-year terms in office. He currently makes $150,000 a year.
This is a major election year for West Virginia, with the entire 100-seat House of Delegates up for election along with half of the Senate.