W.Va. gubernatorial candidates Morrisey and Williams face off in debate

FAIRMONT, W.Va. (WCHS) — West Virginia Governor Candidates Republican Patrick Morrisey AND Democrat Steve Williams they faced off in the first and last debates of the campaign on Tuesday night, just days before the general election.

During an event sponsored by MetroNews, the state’s attorney general sparred with Huntington’s mayor on key issues. Hall of Fame broadcaster Hoppy Kercheval moderated the discussion, which took place at Fairmont State University.

The debate began with the controversial topic of abortion. Morrisey favored leaving the issue up to the states, while Williams opposed a statewide ban.

“I trust women to make their own decisions. “My opponent doesn’t trust women to make decisions like this,” Williams said. “Frankly, in terms of the state legislature having to make decisions like this, I think we’re starting to see in West Virginia and other parts of the country that we’re at the point where we’re starting to see the downward trend that’s happening as a result of this. There are women who are missing out on health care options available to them.”

Both candidates signaled support for in vitro fertilization.

Williams was positive about recreational marijuana, but Morrisey suggested more research was needed.

“There is a lot of work to be done,” Morrisey said. “West Virginia is now a medical marijuana growing state. A lot of research needs to be done to evaluate all the advantages, disadvantages and effects of marijuana on the human body. I have always recommended doing your research before making a big decision. I think that’s the least we need to do before we move forward with the process of legalizing recreational marijuana.

Another topic of discussion that separated the candidates was education. Williams pushed for school boards to have more autonomy.

“Give some leeway to local school boards to make some decisions. So many decisions are being made in Charleston right now,” the mayor said. “Honestly, I think it’s the epitome of arrogance.”

Morrisey said that as governor he would audit and review all state agencies, including school districts. The attorney general suggested that the state continue the Hope Scholarship program and conduct a financial analysis.

“An important thing I advocate for is supporting the Hope Scholarship,” Morrisey explained. “I think this way we can move faster in terms of increasing education levels. This could make a big difference across West Virginia and allow us to start measuring the improvements we see with the Hope Scholarship and school choice programs.”

Williams objected, suggesting that expanding the voucher program would cover the state’s wealthiest families.

“When it comes to the Hope Scholarship and school choice, it all sounds like code for privatization to me. The money goes to the Hope Scholarships. A lot of people use it outside the state of West Virginia,” the Democrat said. “We will determine that only the wealthy will attend Hope Scholarship schools. Everything points to that.”

Moving on from the topic of education, both candidates shared their views on the West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Agency facing challenges. contribution rate increases for fiscal year 2026.

Morrisey said Obamacare is the root of the problem and urged residents to attend PEIA board meetings to provide suggestions for a long-term solution.

“They are struggling with prescription drug costs. Medical costs are going up. We need to be even more aggressive when it comes to discounts from pharmaceutical companies. We can do this,” the Republican said. “Additionally, we need more competition overall in our health care system in West Virginia.”

Williams cited his past experience with pension plans when he was Huntington’s mayor.

“There is no easy path there. “The bottom line is, with PEIA, we have to make sure it is a financed property,” he said. “I believe those who support continuation want privatization.”

The candidates stood on opposite sides a proposed amendment that will appear on the West Virginia ballot in 2024 regarding medically assisted suicide.

Williams said writing the ban into the state constitution eliminates freedom, although Morrisey supports the measure.

“I think we need to protect the most vulnerable people from physician-assisted suicide,” Morrisey said. “I realize this is not currently on the books, but it means the Constitution provides further protection. We’re moving forward, so I’m going to vote for this amendment.”

Mayor Williams delivered a closing statement in which he distanced himself from his political opponent.

“West Virginia can be much better than it is today. The reality is that we operate in a global market,” he said. “I’m not just talking about backyard fights. I’m saying we have to be able to compete on the other side of the country.

Morrisey has joined the Trump campaign and expressed interest in working closely with the next president.

“We are at a critical moment for the future of our country. There’s a lot of talk about the presidential race,” Morrisey said. “I am afraid of Kamala Harris and the prospects of her becoming president. This is a time where I fully support Donald Trump and I am fortunate that he has endorsed me in this race.”

Eyewitness News wants to know who you think won the debate. To have your say, vote in our online poll below.

Before the debate entitled Eyewitness News spoke with both candidates gain perspective on politics within the ongoing process “Beyond the Podium” number. These interviews are included with this story.

West Virginia voters will choose their leader on Tuesday, November 5. On election day, polling stations are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. To find your polling place, click here.