Political activist Zachary Shrewsbury, executive director of the West Virginia nonprofit Bluejay Rising, told X on Thursday that “Trumpism is cracking in West Virginia.” People are not loyal; they are desperate. I see it every day in all of my organizing. This state is not lost. We can reclaim it with real focus and a movement based on labor and dignity.
[Note: Shrewsbury, a U.S. Marines Corps veteran was a candidate for the Democratic nomination in the 2024 U.S. Senate election in West Virginia to replace retired independent Senator Joe Manchin, a former Democrat. Glenn Elliott won the Democratic nomination and lost in a landslide to GOP nominee Jim Justice. It was the first time since the 1956 special election that a Republican won West Virginia’s Class I Senate Seat.]
Democrats have responded to Shrewsbury’s post with similar observations, including retired educator Bernie Hall, who stated, “I was in Monroe County this week…” I didn’t. Here’s one Trump sign. Alternatively, farmers could support Trump. A few weeks ago, it was dense with them.
Another West Virginian responded to Shrewsbury, “There was a good turnout for the protest in Clarksburg.” Organizing is also happening here.”
Shrewsbury spoke at a “Hands Off” rally in Charleston on Saturday, dissatisfied with Republican state and federal leaders’ responses to the recent devastating flooding.
He stated, “We need to run for every seat, from town councils to the State House, and reclaim our home from these out of touch fools who’ve been bleeding it dry.” If we don’t, they will continue to bury us. But if we do, organize, run, and fight, we will succeed. Fight!”
