WV STATEWIREBUCKHANNON — State Sen. Bill Hamilton is centering his re-election campaign on a long list of endorsements from labor organizations, business groups and industry associations as he seeks the Republican nomination for West Virginia’s 11th Senate District in the May 12 primary.
Hamilton, an Upshur County Republican who has served in the Legislature for more than two decades, is facing former state Sen. Robert Karnes and Buckhannon City Councilman Jack Reger in a contested GOP primary that has drawn attention across north-central West Virginia.
In campaign materials and public appearances, Hamilton has highlighted support from a wide range of advocacy and trade organizations.
Those endorsements include backing from the National Rifle Association, the West Virginia Sheriffs Association, the West Virginia State Medical Association’s political action committee, the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, the West Virginia Manufacturers Association and several labor unions, including the United Mine Workers, Teamsters, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the West Virginia AFL-CIO.
Hamilton has also received support from groups representing agriculture, trucking, homebuilding, insurance agents, auto dealers and oil and gas interests.
His campaign has argued the endorsements reflect broad support from organizations tied to business and labor interests across the state.
The incumbent has frequently emphasized his experience in Charleston, where he has served as chairman of the Natural Resources Committee.
Karnes, who previously served in the state Senate from 2015 to 2018 and again from 2020 to 2024, has campaigned on tax reform and improving school choice.
Reger, a Buckhannon councilman, has focused his campaign on government accountability, education concerns and support for rural communities. He has also criticized what he describes as establishment politics within the Republican Party.
Political observers note that incumbent lawmakers frequently receive endorsements from lobbying organizations, trade associations and political action committees that regularly work with elected officials during the legislative process. Many of those groups often back incumbents regardless of ideology because sitting lawmakers already hold committee assignments, voting records and influence over legislation affecting their industries and members.
Analysts also note that organizations with a presence at the Capitol often seek to maintain working relationships with officeholders in both parties, particularly those already serving in leadership roles or with seniority. Endorsing challengers over incumbents can sometimes risk weakening those relationships if the incumbent remains in office, making endorsements for sitting lawmakers a common practice in state legislative races.
The Republican Primary will be held May 12. The winner is expected to advance to the general election in a district that has historically favored Republican candidates.
