The race highlights a diverse slate of candidates from former judges, current judges, lawyers, and a legislator, all stressing independence, fidelity to the Constitution, and a commitment not to legislate from the bench.

Biographical details accompany the profiles, including education, legal careers, and prior public service, to inform voters about qualifications and judicial philosophies.

Across divisions, candidates consistently emphasize adherence to the law, constitutional principles, and judicial independence as core themes.

Division 2 will fill the remainder of Justice Elizabeth Walker’s term through 2028, with Thomas H. Ewing, appointed to succeed Walker, facing State Delegate Bill Flanigan.

Supreme Court Division 2’s contest determines who completes Walker’s term, pitting Thomas H. Ewing against Delegate Bill Flanigan for the 2028 term.

The race centers on completing Justice Walker’s term (retired mid-2025) with Ewing challenging Flanigan for the remainder through 2028.

Ewing’s background includes service in the 15th Judicial Circuit, private practice, and leadership in family and juvenile courts; Flanigan brings legal and legislative experience as a sitting House member.

The ICA election pairs Dan Greear, the ICA chief judge, against 11th Family Circuit Judge Jim Douglas for the second of three ICA seats since the court’s creation in 2023.

Voters will use the May primary as the de facto general for two West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals seats and the state’s new Intermediate Court of Appeals.

Greear advocates judicial restraint and constitutional adherence, while Douglas emphasizes family law expertise and qualifications suited to the ICA’s caseload.

Douglas argues for a strong emphasis on family law experience and qualified judges to protect families and children.

Division 1 features a mix of former circuit judges and a House member, including Laura V. Faircloth, Todd Kirby, H.L. Kirkpatrick, and Martin “Red Hat” Sheehan, all with varied legal and public service backgrounds.