BERKELEY SPRINGS, W.Va. — 15th District State Senator Tom Willis defeated Senate President Craig Blair during last year’s election. On Monday, Willis officially launched a new campaign, this time for US Senate, taking aim at ten-year incumbent Shelley Moore Capito.
He made the announcement at Charlotte’s Café in Berkeley Springs Monday with a crowd of sign-waving supporters flanking him, and accompanied by his wife and two of his children.
Willis was introduced by Pastor RC Coyle of God Won Ministries:
Willis said West Virginians have been neglected, from families with sick children, coal miners, seniors on fixed incomes, homeless veterans and single parents. “I hear you,” Willis said. “When I am in the US Senate you will have a fighter who cares about you and defends your freedoms.”
He said there are some serious challenges:
As for making the statewide announcement at a small restaurant in Berkeley Springs,
Willis defeated Senate President Craig Blair during last year’s primary election and has served one year as a state senator from the 15th District, which represents Morgan County and parts of Berkeley and Hampshire Counties.
Capito was first elected to the US Senate in 2014 and began her term in 2015. Prior to that, she served in the US House of Representatives beginning in 2001.
Among others challenging Capito for the 2026 primary, former West Virginia Delegate Derrick Evans and Alex Gaaserud, who announced his intention to run back in 2024.
