CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito is ready for another round, filing paperwork to seek reelection ahead of the May primary elections.
Capito made it official in person at the West Virginia Secretary of State’s office on Tuesday and brought some help along before paying a visit to the place her political career began.
Shelley Moore Capito
“I had two of my grandchildren, my husband, and then lots of delegates and senators endorsing me. We got a great picture, and then I went back to my home ground over there at the House of Delegates and got to see some old friends,” she said on MetroNews Talkline.
Spending some time back in the state capitol brought back early memories of Capito’s days in the legislature. She admitted her first day in the House of Delegates was far more intimidating than her first in the U.S. Senate.
“My parents were here. I didn’t really know anybody too much, and I was low man on the totem pole. I was probably like #99 out of 100, and I was worried about making a mistake, but it was an exciting time,” she said.
More than 50 delegates that occupy the chamber where Capito got her start are on her side, providing their endorsements in advance of the Republican primary. In a release last week, the Capito campaign announced fundraising of nearly $500k with a total of $4.35 million on hand.
House Speaker Roger Hanshaw was among those to throw his support behind Capito’s reelection bid.
House Speaker Roger Hanshaw
“Senator Shelley Moore Capito has been a strong advocate for West Virginia her entire life. She represents our state and our people well, understands our values, and isn’t afraid to speak up when West Virginia needs it. I’m happy to endorse Senator Capito for reelection to the U.S. Senate,” he said in a campaign release.
Capito faces multiple challengers in the primary, including state Senator Tom Willis, R-Berkeley, who began his second session in the legislature earlier this month.