In a bid to challenge the coal industry's grip on West Virginia, Zach Shrewsbury, a Marine Corps veteran and community organizer, has launched his U.S. Senate campaign.
Dan Kaufman reports for The New Yorker.
In short:
- Shrewsbury's campaign follows a populist approach, emphasizing job creation over coal reliance, seeking to pivot to renewable energy sources.
- His grassroots strategy includes extensive traveling across West Virginia, engaging directly with voters and distributing essential supplies.
- The political landscape is marked by a decline in union influence and the rise of Republican dominance attributed to economic grievances and industrial decline.
Key quote:
"I am of the working class. I am from our home. And I will fight for the everyday West Virginian."
— Zach Shrewsbury, U.S. Senate candidate
Why this matters:
Shrewsbury's campaign is poised to stir significant debate on the state's economic future, especially as environmental concerns grow and the demand for sustainable energy sources becomes more urgent.
