There will be a full slate of candidates on the Jefferson County ballot this fall running for County Commission and local House of Delegates seats. Only the Prosecuting Attorney and the State Senate race in District 16 will be uncontested. We’ve summarized the Jefferson County primary election results below — there were no real surprises in these races.
If you’re interested in results elsewhere in West Virginia, Mountain State Spotlight has an interactive website that provides details about the federal and state offices. WV MetroNews and West Virginia Watch also reported on Governor Morrisey’s push to oust some members of the House of Delegates.
This week’s election also finalized the makeup of the Jefferson County Board of Education — those candidates will take office on July 1. In the meantime, the current board still has to approve the budget for next year, with a public hearing scheduled for May 26 (read The Observer’s coverage here).
— Steve Pearson
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The final vote tally for 2026 may increase slightly after the official canvas and vote certification in each of the state’s 55 counties.
Jefferson County’s Turnout
In Jefferson County, the County Clerk reported a preliminary total of 7,376 ballots cast, with 47,984 registered voters. That works out to a turnout of 15.4 percent. The partisan breakdown for Jefferson County voter participation was:
Republican ballots: 3,021 (17,831 registered)
Democratic ballots: 3,533 (12,146 registered)
Mountain ballots: 39 (147 registered)
Nonpartisan ballots: 783 (16,385 registered)
US Senate & House Seats
Statewide, there were 120,357 votes cast for the U.S. Senate primary at the top of the Republican ballot. For the Democratic ballot, there were 92,821 votes cast for the Senate primary. The winner of the Republican primary was incumbent Republican Shelley Moore Capito with 66.5% of the vote (according to the preliminary numbers). In the Democratic primary, Rachel Fetty Anderson won with 33% of the vote.
Both of WV’s House seats are on the ballot this year. In District 1 (the southern half of the state), Carol Miller won the Republican nomination with 72% of the vote. Vince George took the Democratic nomination with 53% of the vote.
In District 2 (the northern half of the state), Riley Moore ran unopposed in the Republican primary. Ace Parsi won the Democratic nomination with 39.7% of the vote.
Judicial Incumbents Lose
The May ballot included several contests for seats on the WV Supreme Court of Appeals and the WV Intermediate Court of Appeals. These offices are elected state-wide and are officially non-partisan, but there was a significant amount of independent expenditure money spent on these races.
The two open seats on the Supreme Court were won by Bill Flanigan (a former state delegate from Wheeling) and Kirk Kirkpatrick (currently a circuit court judge in Raleigh County). The new justices will replace Thomas Ewing and Gerald Titus, both of whom were appointed by Governor Morrisey but were unsuccessful in retaining their seats.
There was one seat up for election on the Intermediate Court of Appeals. Jim Douglas (currently serving on Family Court in Kanawha County) won over incumbent Dan Greear. Greear also had been appointed to the court by Governor Morrisey.
WV Senate and House of Delegates Matchups Set
In local races, the State Senate race for District 16, which covers Jefferson County and part of Berkeley County, was contested only in the Republican primary. Incumbent Jason Barrett won the Republican contest with 63% of the vote. There was no candidate filed for the Democratic primary.
All four Delegate seats that represent Jefferson County will be contested in the general election this fall:
The contest for Jefferson County Board of Education had 8 candidates on the ballot. The three candidates who received the most votes will serve four year terms beginning on July 1, 2026. The fourth candidate will serve a two year term. The winning candidates are:
Natalie Grantham Friend: 3,593 votes
Laurie Ogden: 3,068 votes
Kathryn Skinner: 2,950 votes
Carmen Taylor-Bratten: 2,848 votes
The other candidates for school board were Scott Seiler (2,532 votes), Andrea Elliot (2,411 votes), Kathy Gugulis (2,399 votes), and Ranale Jones (1,288 votes).
Conservation District Supervisor
This office oversees farm-assistance programs run by the WV Department of Agriculture. Karen Magha, a local farmer, won over incumbent Nancy Lutz and Rebecca Cloud, another challenger.
County Candidates Unopposed In Primaries
This year’s primary included contests for Jefferson County Commission and County Prosecuting Attorney. Republican candidate Adam Ward, who is currently serving as the Prosecuting Attorney, ran unopposed and will be unopposed in the November election as well.
There are two seats up for election on the County Commission. The Democratic, Republican and Mountain parties all fielded a single candidate for both seats, so all of these individuals will advance to the November general election. County Commissioners are elected county-wide, but candidates run for a specific seat based on their residency in one of five magisterial districts. The matchups for November are:
Pasha Majdi (Rep) vs. Lanae Johnson (Dem) vs. David Tabb (Mtn)
The Republican and Mountain party candidates for County Commission did not provide website or social media information on their candidate filing forms.
Up Next: Municipal Elections In June
The next elections in Jefferson County will be for the Ranson City Council and Shepherdstown Town Council. Election day for those municipalities is June 2, with early voting beginning on May 20. All of the Shepherdstown candidates are running unopposed. There are several contested seats for the Ranson Council and The Observer will have coverage of those races in the next few weeks.
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A Busy Construction Season Ahead at Shepherd University
McMurran Hall during 2026 Easter Egg hunt
Jonathan Sherman, Shepherd University's new Director of Facilities Management, briefed the Shepherdstown Town Council this week on a series of construction projects now underway or about to begin — work that will be visible and that may affect parking and traffic in the surrounding areas in downtown Shepherdstown.
McMurran Hall is receiving a new roof engineered for an 80-year lifespan. The project will involve fencing around the building and also repainting parts of the building. Sherman said work is expected to begin within the next two to three weeks and will run into September. The project may require restrictions on the use of McMurran lawn this summer. The Town has already adjusted the location of its June 5 First Friday event, from McMurran Lawn to White Hall near the Little House.
White Hall is the second building that will get a new roof. That project will begin on May 21, and there may be some temporary blocking of traffic at the Princess Street and High Street intersection during that work.
The Byrd Science Building is also getting a new roof. During that project, approximately half of parking lot B will be restricted. Popodicon — the University president's official residence — will receive a new roof as well, with additional classroom renovation work taking place elsewhere on campus.
The new University dining hall, whose outlines are now clearly visible on campus behind Popodicon, is on track to be operational by October.
Sherman noted that the University would work with Shepherdstown's Public Works and Police departments to coordinate on any impacts to the town.
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Town to Host Community Conversation on Market House Plaza. The Town of Shepherdstown will host a community conversation on Thursday, May 21, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the War Memorial Building (102 East German Street) to gather public input on concepts for a potential public plaza near the Market House in downtown Shepherdstown. According to the Town, the session is intended as an open discussion — no decisions have been made about the design of the plaza. Preliminary ideas include flexible outdoor gathering space that could support uses such as the Farmers Market, live music, movie nights, and seasonal celebrations. Town officials have noted that community feedback will inform how concepts develop from here. Written comments may be submitted by email at comments@shepherdstown.gov or delivered directly to Town Hall at 104 North King St. Questions can be directed to Karl Musser at Town Hall: (304) 876-2312 or kmusser@shepherdstown.gov.
Town Grants Awarded to Library and Street Fest. The Town's Community Grants Program has awarded grants to two Shepherdstown organizations. The Shepherdstown Public Library will receive $20,000 to support the purchase and installation of solar panels, a project aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing electricity costs. Shepherdstown Street Fest received $2,500 in general support for this year's event. While not part of the Community Grants Program, this year's Independence Day Parade — organized by the Shepherdstown Rotary — will receive $4,000 in support from the Town.
Shepherdstown Municipal Election: June 2. The Shepherdstown municipal election is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, with polls open from 6:30 am until 7:30 pm at Town Hall (104 North King Street). Early voting, also at Town Hall, runs May 20 – 30 (including both Saturdays). The deadline for absentee ballot applications is May 27. Details about the election are available on the Town website.
Town Seeks Volunteers for Composting Pilot. The Town of Shepherdstown is seeking volunteer households to participate in a new composting pilot program. Up to 30 households will take part, with food scraps collected for composting at Shepherd University's Tabler Farm and yard waste processed into mulch for local use. Eight households have already signed up. Additional information is available on the Town website.
Morgan's Grove Park Trail Completion Pushed to July 2027. The WV Division of Highways has informed the Town that the schedule for completion of the trail connection to Morgan's Grove Park has been pushed back to July 2027.
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Shepherd University Celebrates Graduates & Retiring President — There were a lot of farewells shared during the past week at Shepherd University. Faculty, staff and community members gathered at the Wellness Center on May 5 to celebrate Dr. Mary J.C. Hendrix, who is retiring in June. At the end of the ceremony, her leadership team led the group in a toast to her leadership (image above). On May 9, Hendrix presided over the university’s 153rd commencement ceremony. The school conferred 67 graduate degrees and 503 bachelor's degrees (includes both December 2025 and May 2026 graduates).
Watershed Organizations Report Low Water Conditions — Monitoring data confirm that the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers are running low and the ground is dry, with little relief anticipated in the next months. The Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin is reporting historically low flows in the Potomac River and the Friends of the Shenandoah is reporting similar record-breaking low flows in the Shenandoah River. NOAA is reporting that the drought conditions are widespread over much of the United States.
City of Charles Town Cleanup Event May 16 — The city’s Tree Board is inviting residents to a community cleanup event from 8 to 10 am at the city’s Skate Park (entrance at West & North Streets). Participants are invited to bring gloves, rakes, shovels, saws and loppers to remove invasive species, cut vines and remove waste from the park. Email cttreeboard@gmail.com with any questions.
Appalachian Chamber Music Festival announces 2026 Season — This year’s festival features 13 concerts, starting with a wine and music event at 868 Vineyards in Purcellville VA and concluding with a concert at Zion Church in Charles Town on August 16. The festival will include performances in Charles Town, Harpers Ferry and Shepherdstown, along with a performance at a new location in Winchester this year. Details and advance tickets available at AppalachianChamber.org.
A message from the Shepherdstown Community Club
Shepherdstown Back Alley Garden Tour and Tea The Shepherdstown Community Club will sponsor its annual Back Alley Garden Tour & Tea on Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17 (rain or shine). There will be approximately 15 gardens on the tour, open 10 to 4 (both days). This year’s tour will be concentrated on the west side of town. The Tea service runs 11 to 3 both days, upstairs at the War Memorial Building (102 East German St). Ticket price is $30 prior to May 16 (day of $35) and includes access to all gardens both days and one tea service. Tickets are available online, at multiple designated Shepherdstown businesses, or on the date of the tour in the War Memorial building.
Arts, Culture & Community Events
Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:
World Fiddle Day — Celebrating the music of Appalachia and its musical influences. multiple venues, Harpers Ferry. Friday, May 15–Saturday, May 16. $ Info…
Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas — Louisiana-based zydeco band performs as part of the Levitt AMP Shenandoah Junction Music Series at Sam Michaels Park, 235 Sam Michaels Drive, Shenandoah Junction. Friday, May 15, 6 pm (music starts at 7 pm). Free. Info…
O Pioneer — Screening of WV-made film followed by discussion with filmmakers via Zoom. Proceeds to benefit Shepherd University’s Appalachian Heritage Festival. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Friday, May 15, 7:30 pm. $ Info…
Serve It Forward Pickleball for Good — Fundraising pickleball event co-sponsored by Charles Town Rotary, Shepherdstown Rotary, and Jefferson County Parks & Recreation. Sam Michaels Park, 235 Sam Michaels Dr, Harpers Ferry. Saturday, May 16, 8 am-9 pm. Free. Info…
Shred Event — Community document shredding event. Grapevine Recycling Center, 111 Landfill Dr, Martinsburg WV. Saturday, May 16, 9 am-noon. Free. Info…
Flora and Feathers: Guided Nature Hike — Guided 2-mile nature hike. Virginius Island, Harpers Ferry. Saturday, May 16, 10 am. $ Tickets & Info…
Back Alley Garden Tour & Tea — Annual self-guided tour of usually-private gardens in downtown Shepherdstown. Admission includes tea served at the Shepherdstown Community Club. Saturday, May 16–Sunday, May 17, 10 am-4 pm. $ Info…
5th Annual Brunswick Springfest — Community festival featuring live music and vendors. 1 West Potomac St, Brunswick. Saturday, May 16, 10 am-5 pm. Free. Info…
Bringing In The May — Two-day fairy-themed festival at Berkeley Springs State Park in Berkeley Springs with additional events at other venues around town. Saturday, May 16–Sunday, May 17. Free. Info…
Lego Club — Children’s LEGO building activity session (recommended ages 3+). Shepherdstown Public Library, 145 Higbee Ln, Shepherdstown. Saturday, May 16, 11 am-1 pm. Free. Info…
Auditions: The Little Mermaid — Auditions for community theater production with multiple time slots by age group. Old Opera House Theater Company, 204 North George St, Charles Town. Saturday, May 16–Monday, May 18. Free. Info…
Heirloom Seed Sale — Annual heirloom seed and seedlings sale and educational event hosted by Harpers Ferry Park Association. Harpers Ferry Park Association, 171 Shoreline Dr, Harpers Ferry. Saturday, May 16, 11 am-4 pm. Free. Info…
Gossamer Holler Ball: The Hillbilly Fairy's Gala — Costumed community dance and performance event. MAC Ice House, 138 Independence St, Berkeley Springs. Saturday, May 16, 7 pm-11 pm. $ Info…
Renatum Chamber Choir presents Woven: An Appalachian Tapestry — Choral performance celebrating Appalachian musical traditions. Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church, 100 West Washington St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, May 16, 7:30 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Live Music: Kurt Crandall & True Story — Acclaimed blues musician and band return to the Opera House. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, May 16, 7:30 pm. $ Info…
Berkeley Community Chorus presents America 250 — Choral concert performance offered two times this weekend: Saturday, May 16 16 at 7:30 pm at Hedgesville High School and Sunday, May 17, 4 pm at MAC Ice House, 138 Independence St, Berkeley Springs. Saturday’s performance is ticketed, Sunday’s is Pay-What-You-Can. Tickets & Info…
Trails & Trash Workday — Community trail cleanup and maintenance workday. Meet at Woodpecker Woods parking lot (near Cheney & Old Furnace), Bolivar. Sunday, May 17, 9:30 am-10:30 am. Free. Info…
National Pike Festival Wagon Train — Wagon train procession with pony rides and exhibitions. Shafer Park, 37 Park Dr, Boonsboro, MD. Sunday, May 17, noon. Free. Info…
Walk About Nothing: Tree Walk — Guided tree walk featuring local arborist, part of Walks About Nothing series. Meet at City Hall 101 East Washington St, Charles Town. Wednesday, May 20, 6 pm. Free. Info…
Folklore of Herbs in the 19th Century — Educational talk on historical herbal practices. Alstadts Ale House, 408 Alstadts Rd, Harpers Ferry. Thursday, May 21, 6 pm-7 pm. Free, donations accepted. Tickets & Info…
International Fly Fishing Film Festival — Annual event will screen 11 short films celebrating fly fishing. Byrd Auditorium at the National Conservation Training Center, 698 Conservation Way, Shepherdstown. Thursday, May 21, 7 pm. Free. Info…
Ongoing
Hiatt Art Collection Exhibit & Silent Auction — Exhibit features works from the Bill and Donna Hiatt collection, with items available for sale via silent auction to benefit Friends of Shepherdstown Libary and the library. Shepherdstown Public Library, 145 Higbee Ln, Shepherdstown. The exhibit runs until May 30 during library open hours. Free. Info…
St. Isidore Market — Weekly market featuring local vendors offering produce and handmade goods. St. James Catholic Church, 49 Crosswinds Dr, Charles Town. Thursdays, year-round, 5 - 6:30 pm. Free. Info…
Charles Town Farmers Market — Weekly open-air farmers market featuring local produce, baked goods and artisan vendors. South Samuel St between Washington St and Congress St, Charles Town. Saturdays, 9 am-noon. Free. Info…
Shepherdstown Farmers Market — Weekly farmers market featuring local produce, baked goods, artisan crafts, and live music. Behind the Market House, 100 South King St, Shepherdstown. Sundays, 9 am - 1 pm. Free. Info…
Martinsburg Farmers Market — Seasonal farmers market featuring local produce, baked goods, and artisan vendors. 125 W King St, Martinsburg, WV. Saturdays, April–October, 10 am - 2 pm. Free. Info…
Jefferson County Parks and Recreation has been presenting the Levitt AMP Shenandoah Junction Music Series since 202o. The program is supported by the Levitt Family Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on “strengthening the social fabric of America” according to the introduction on the foundation website.
The Foundation’s primary grant program funds free concerts across the country, supporting artists and encouraging the use of public spaces. The program works on a match basis, requiring local support to fund its programs. The local sponsors for the Jefferson County series include Skinner Law Firm, Jefferson Security Bank, Washington Landing Apartments, ACE Garage Door, and Shenandoah Planing Mill.
Jefferson County Parks and Recreation also accepts donations from individual supporters (click here to contribute).
This year’s series at the AMP began on May 1. The remaining Friday dates and performers for 2026 are:
Gates open at 6 pm and the performances, which are family friendly, begin at 7 pm. Pets are welcome on leash. You can bring your own food for a picnic or purchase from the on-site food truck. Beer is available for purchase; no carry-in alcohol or glass containers.
Every week, The Observer digs into the details that matter in Jefferson County. Our content is free for everyone to read, but producing well-researched local news isn’t free.
