The West Virginia Democratic Party is outraged by the introduction of an unconstitutional and un-American resolution by Delegate Bill Ridenour and co-sponsored by Delegates Margitta Mazzocchi, Henry Dillon, Todd Longanacre, and Elias Coop-Gonzalez. The resolution, which seeks to prevent anyone but Donald Trump from being recognized as the winner of the 2024 presidential election, is a direct assault on our democracy and a blatant violation of their oaths of office.
This resolution essentially grants former President Trump immunity for any potentially illegal actions in pushing the false narrative of a stolen 2020 election. Despite more than 60 courts – including those with Trump-appointed judges – rejecting these claims due to a lack of credible evidence, Delegate Ridenour and his co-sponsors are trying to shield Trump from accountability and ensure only one possible outcome in 2024: a Trump victory, regardless of the will of the voters. Such a proposal is not only unconstitutional but also undemocratic and fundamentally un-American.
Maria Russo, Democratic Candidate for House of Delegates, strongly criticized Delegate Ridenour’s sponsorship of this resolution, stating: “By introducing this resolution, Delegate Ridenour is knowingly violating his oath of office. He is promoting a dangerous, unconstitutional, and polarizing agenda designed to undermine our democracy and disenfranchise West Virginians. This is not the leadership our state deserves.”
Cody Thompson, Democratic Candidate for House of Delegates, also condemned the co-sponsors of this resolution, specifically targeting Delegate Coop-Gonzalez: “Delegate Coop-Gonzalez’s decision to co-sponsor such an extreme and partisan resolution is deeply troubling. Instead of focusing on the real needs of West Virginians, he is supporting efforts to erode trust in our electoral process and promote a dangerous political agenda. This kind of extremism has no place in our state government.”
The West Virginia Democratic Party stands firmly against this undemocratic resolution and any attempts to subvert the electoral process by preordaining an election outcome. We call on all West Virginians to reject these un-American efforts and hold their elected officials accountable for undermining the foundation of our democracy.