Ex-Marylander Mooney Survives Primary in W.Va. Here’s Why It Matters in Md. – Maryland Matters

In a consequence that resonates throughout the border in his previous state — and will radiate throughout the nation — U.S. Rep. Alex X. Mooney (R-W.Va.), a former Maryland state senator, rode the assist of President Trump to defeat one other Republican congressman in a uncommon member vs. member GOP major contest Tuesday.

With an estimated 99% of the first vote counted Tuesday evening, Mooney had 54% to 36% for U.S. Rep. David McKinley (R), with the remainder of the ballots break up amongst lesser-known candidates. The 2 members of the Home of Representatives had been thrust into the identical district as a result of the Mountaineer State misplaced inhabitants over the past decade — and misplaced a seat within the newest spherical of congressional reapportionment in consequence.

Mooney, 50, as soon as a central determine in Maryland politics, is closely favored to win a fifth time period this fall and is taken into account very more likely to problem controversial Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin in 2024.

The first consequence can be excellent news for Maryland state Sen. Michael J. Hough (R-Frederick), who in his day job works as Mooney’s chief of workers. Hough is giving up his Senate seat to run for Frederick County government this 12 months. However with Mooney assured one other time period in Congress, Hough has a fallback in case he loses his county government race this fall.

The Republican major was largely outlined by fealty to Trump — or lack thereof. And in West Virginia, no less than, that narrative accrued to Mooney’s profit.

McKinley’s political profession in West Virginia dates again to 1980, and he has served in Congress since 2011. However that was not sufficient to beat Trump’s assist of Mooney.

“He’s the dominant power in Republican politics proper now,” CNN political analyst John King mentioned of the ex-president Tuesday evening.

Mooney was elected to Congress in 2014 after transferring throughout the border from Western Maryland to Charles City, W.Va. However he hasn’t been completely capable of shake the carpetbagger label. He spent 12 years within the Maryland Senate representing Frederick and Washington counties and served because the state’s GOP chair earlier than sensing a chance throughout the border and decamping for West Virginia.

Trump and Mooney attacked McKinley for supporting the bipartisan Infrastructure Funding and Jobs Act, despite the fact that it introduced billions in wanted federal funding into the state, and for voting for a measure that may have created a bipartisan fee to analyze the Jan. 6 riot on the U.S. Capitol.

“Alex has been robust on Crime, Borders, our nice Army, and a champion of our Veterans,” Trump mentioned in a press release endorsing Mooney. “He’ll all the time defend our Second Modification, and of specific significance is the truth that Alex fights for power and exquisite clear coal — and he won’t ever cease. Congressman Alex Mooney has my Full and Complete Endorsement!”

Mooney predicted that Trump’s endorsement would carry the day.

“I’m a proud America First conservative and can do no matter I can to hold on the president’s legacy of combating for election integrity, defeating socialism, and supporting the Second Modification in Congress,” Mooney mentioned not too long ago. “West Virginians are proud Trump Republicans.”

Only a week in the past, Manchin took the unprecedented step of endorsing McKinley in a 30-second TV spot, defending the congressman over an unfounded cost that he had supported the sweeping Construct Again Higher laws that Manchin additionally opposed.

“For Alex Mooney and his out-of-state supporters to recommend David McKinley supported Construct Again Higher is an outright lie,” Manchin mentioned within the TV spot, including, “Alex Mooney has confirmed he’s all about Alex Mooney. However West Virginians know David McKinley is all about us.”

Manchin and McKinley have been pals and colleagues since 1982, when each had been members of the West Virginia Home of Delegates.

Some Democrats had been hoping that if McKinley had prevailed over Mooney within the Republican major, Manchin might need develop into extra prepared to assist social applications and different spending initiatives favored by Capitol Hill liberals. However with Trumpism dominating within the Mountaineer State, these goals have seemingly been quashed.

And whereas the Republican citizens in West Virginia’s 2nd congressional district doesn’t match up instantly with the statewide GOP citizens in Maryland, Mooney’s victory has acquired to bolster Del. Daniel L. Cox (R-Frederick), who’s working for governor right here as a Trump acolyte. His primary rival for the GOP nomination, former Maryland Commerce Secretary Kelly M. Schulz, is a extra typical center-right Republican.