CHARLESTON, W.Va. — New West Virginia GOP Chairman Matt Herridge says Republicans plan to encourage independent and non-affiliated voters to change their party affiliation before the 2026 Primary Election.

Herridge said a vote by the West Virginia Republican Party Executive Committee on Saturday to close the Primary to Republican voters only is allowing them two years to generate more members.

“I think it’s a responsible way to do that given the timeline that we’re facing right now with this election year,” Herridge said on Monday’s MetroNews “Talkline.”

The resolution initially would’ve closed the Primary starting with this upcoming May election. Committee members voted on an amendment that would change the closure from 2024 to 2026.

Delegate Jim Butler (R-Mason) said it’s an exciting election year to do that. He said the state is missing a big opportunity by waiting to implement this resolution. He voted for it.

“I’m disappointed that we’re not going to see the immediate benefits of this because with Donald Trump at the top of the ticket and some very important races, I think this Primary race could’ve made a big impact,” he said.

Butler said the vote was very divided with 65 in favor and 54 against the resolution.

“I think we came out of the meeting pretty well united. Some of us are sure that this is the right thing to do, but others are a little more doubtful, but I think we can make it happen and grow the party,” Butler said.

Herridge agreed and said his top priority is to help grow the party. He wants to reach independent and non-affiliate voters over the next two years.

“We’re going to invite them to join the party and encourage them to vote for our candidates. We’re going to be communicating in various ways through technology, direct mail, on the radio and other ways that we can communicate through media to let them know we’re ready for them to join the party,” Herridge said.

The committee’s move will limit the 2026 Primary to Republican voters only, but Herridge said those who are still undecided can vote Republican in the General Election that year.

“They’re still going to be voting for those Republican candidates in the General Election if they choose to stay unaffiliated, but I think we can make an awesome argument for them to go ahead and join the party,” he said.

Herridge succeeds Elgine McArdle as the new GOP chair.

There are currently 287,000 independent or non-affiliated voters in West Virginia, making up 25 percent of all registered voters.

The state Democratic Party has made no similar move to close its Primary.

The Primary Election in West Virginia this year is May 14.