Our Platform
Who Are the Jefferson County Democrats?
We are an inclusive party, focused on building a better future for all. That means modern infrastructure, and equal opportunities for all. What Do Jefferson County West Virginia Democrats Believe? Take a look at our platform below, which largely mirrors the WV State Democrat Party Platform.
ABOUT DATA CENTERS:
Data Centers & HB 2014: Restoring Local Control
Jefferson County Democrats oppose the unchecked buildout of large-scale data centers until our county
regains real authority over local zoning.
In 2025, the West Virginia Legislature passed House Bill 2014, which
strips counties and municipalities of the power to enforce local zoning, building codes, noise ordinances, and
viewshed protections against certified microgrids and “high impact” data centers. The bill passed the House of
Delegates 88–12 and the Senate 32–1 before being signed into law — over the objections of communities across the
state, including Jefferson County.
Local control is a Democratic value. The Jefferson County Commission has already gone on record opposing
unchecked data center development in our county, and residents have raised serious, legitimate concerns: strain on
our water supply, constant industrial noise, higher electricity rates as massive new loads are added to an already
strained grid, and the loss of the rural, historic character that draws people here. HB 2014 also directs 70% of the
tax revenue these projects generate to the state, leaving only 30% for the local governments that bear the actual
impact — without giving those same governments the zoning authority to weigh in on where or how these facilities
are built.
Jefferson County Democrats support:
● A moratorium on new data center and certified-microgrid approvals in Jefferson County until the county
has genuine, enforceable zoning authority restored.
● Repeal or substantial reform of HB 2014 to return zoning, noise, and building-code authority to county and
municipal governments.
● Transparent, evidence-based public hearings before any data center or microgrid project is approved —
consistent with our platform’s commitment to participatory democracy.
● A fairer share of any tax revenue generated by these projects flowing to the local governments and
communities most directly affected.
We are not opposed to responsible growth or new industry in Jefferson County. We are opposed to the state
overriding the voice of local residents and elected officials before a single shovel goes into the ground.
Party Platform: Ten Core Values
Democrats in West Virginia and nationally share ten core values:
● Labor
Protecting Democracy
We honor and uphold both the West Virginia and U.S. Constitutions.
Voting Rights. Democrats know that Americans’ right to vote is sacred and fundamental. We must protect
Americans’ right to vote, while reducing corporations’ outsized influence in elections. We must protect the
accessibility of voting, and oppose voter suppression.
We believe in transparent, participatory democracy and peaceful transfer of power in government. We
support public hearings with enough time and notice for the public to participate, as well as online
broadcasting of all legislative proceedings. Indeed, Article III, Section 16 of the WV Constitution states:
“The right of the people… to instruct their representatives … shall be held inviolate.” The public cannot
effectively instruct our representatives if the Legislature does not make itself available in practical ways.
When an election is over, we believe in coming together to support the elected leaders and the peaceful
transfer of power. However, we will continue to speak out on the issues of the day when we respectfully
disagree with others. We commit to approaching any disagreements with an open mind, driven by
evidence-based and civil discussions.
Protecting Democracy: Promoting an Open Party and
More Opportunities for People to Participate
The West Virginia Democratic Party is an inclusive party, meaning we promote the
inclusion of all voices in the process of self-governance.
Open Primaries. West Virginia Democrats allow independent/non-affiliated voters to
request and vote a Democratic ballot in primary elections for the federal, state, county,
and municipal offices.
Direct Participation in Government. Democrats promote more opportunities for citizens
to directly engage in government, on a level playing field, through elections, public service
(boards/commissions), voter education, and initiatives consistent with our platform.
Democrats support efforts that limit the damaging effects of dark money in elections,
including primaries, and provide for timely disclosure.
Infrastructure: A Strong & Fair Economy Must
Benefit All Communities
West Virginia Democrats delivered the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the
Inflation Reduction Act, securing tens of billions in West Virginia over the next
decade to build modern infrastructure for new factories, affordable utilities
(electric, broadband, water), roads, bridges, transit, and better jobs statewide.
Yet, there is more work to do because these bills rejected adequate funding for
eldercare and childcare infrastructure, which are critical and necessary missing
ingredients for our state to thrive and advance.
Labor is the Foundation of Our Party
Democrats believe in strengthening the voices of all workers on the job. We urge state and local
officials to support collective bargaining for improved wages, benefits, and working conditions.
When workers vote whether to have union representation, those elections should be neutral,
without interference, ensuring workers the right to vote. Once elections are certified, the
company and union should bargain in good faith to obtain a first contract in a timely manner.
Benefits (such as workers’ compensation and unemployment) should be streamlined and easier
to access.
All workplaces should be safe and healthful. No standards should ever be compromised.
Democrats believe we must break down all the barriers holding Americans back. We must
restore the basic concept that built America’s middle class: If you work hard and play by the
rules, you can get ahead and stay ahead.
We recognize that working hard and following rules have too often not
yielded equal opportunity for all citizens.
QUESTION: How Do We Talk About These Values?
Draw a Contrast: When Republicans Govern, WV Loses
When Republicans defund childcare, a living wage is out of reach for most families.
When Republicans attack public workers & unions, all workers lose wages & power.
When Republicans reclassify workers as independent contractors, workers lose
overtime, unemployment, collective bargaining, workers’ compensation, and more.
When Republicans repeal the wage bond law, miners & contractors lose the surety
bonds that assured timely payment of their wages.
When Republicans restrict our rights to go before a jury, all workers & consumers now
face greater risks of injury, illness, and corporate swindling.
Human Rights: Racial Equity, Equal Rights for Women,
2SLGBTQIA+, Disabled, & Indigenous Citizens
Democrats believe that everyone deserves the chance to live up to their potential.
We know that there are barriers standing in the way of that goal, from the enduring scourge
of systemic racism to our deeply broken immigration system to discrimination against
people on the basis of protected status such as age, sexual orientation, or gender
identity—and we are committed to facing those problems and fixing them.
Our Diversity Is Our Strength. We believe in inclusion for all, regardless of race, gender,
disability, and orientation. All are welcome here. We believe inclusiveness means listening
to all voices, and ensuring everyone gets a seat at the table.
We reject the hatefulness promoted by right-wing partisans.
Human Rights: Criminal Justice & Promoting Recovery
Law enforcement and first responders have an essential role in securing and caring for
our communities. We support the tools and training to deliver those goals.
Substance use disorder and the opioid crisis have shattered countless lives across
West Virginia—propelled by profit-seeking companies that drowned West Virginians in
unhelpful, unwanted prescription medicines.
Long-term recovery must be supported through public policy in our workplaces, jails,
healthcare facilities, and beyond. Our criminal justice system must safely and
increasingly promote meaningful opportunities for success with recovery.
Democrats are actively protecting and empowering people everywhere to avoid
substance use disorder and succeed in long-term recovery.
Human Rights: Reproductive Freedom, Codifying Roe
Americans long held a constitutional right to reproductive freedom. But the
Supreme Court has taken that away. Congress should codify Roe v. Wade.
Democrats are committed to protecting and advancing reproductive health, rights,
and justice, including the Equal Rights Amendment to W.V. & U.S. Constitutions.
We believe unequivocally, like the majority of Americans, that everyone should be
able to access high-quality reproductive health care services, including safe and
legal abortion, contraception, and in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Democrats oppose and will fight to overturn federal and state laws that create
barriers to reproductive health, rights, and freedom.
Defending Education & Families: Public Schools;
Foster Care; Childcare
An adequate, equitable, thorough, efficient, and free public education is a
fundamental constitutional right in West Virginia. Yet, the Republican push for
privatization threatens that core Mountain State value.
From early childhood education to child protective services to K-12 schools to
higher education, Democrats believe we should be investing more dollars, more
intelligently—and not cutting public funds.
Building on our historic wins, Democrats will continue reducing student debt.
Public Education
We are committed to increasing funding for public education to provide adequate
resources, including facilities, staffing, transit, and technology. We will work to ensure
competitive salaries and professional development for teachers.
We will expand early childhood and after-school programs to aid working families.
We are committed to strengthening public education and opposing any attempts to
privatize, including by opposing the use of public funds for non-public schools.
We advocate for fair and equitable, per-pupil distribution of funds across all counties.
We honor and do not attack teachers or school service personnel.
Defending Education & Families: Childcare and Foster Care
Affordable and Available Childcare. W.Va. Republicans slashed childcare funding
for a decade. People cannot and do not work if they lack affordable childcare. We
support a permanent child tax credit, increased rates for child care providers, and
using all opportunities to draw down federal funds, which Republicans failed to do.
Fixing Foster Care. W.Va. routinely has over 6,000 children in foster care. There
has been a lot of talk about foster care, but no action by the Republican
Legislature. We support action to prevent the need for foster care, and improve it.
Healthcare for All
Democrats believe that access to quality, affordable healthcare is a basic, human right.
We are proud to be the party of Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act—enacted
with courageous support of West Virginia Democrats. Because of Presidents Obama and
Biden, and the Affordable Care Act, more than 100 million Americans with pre-existing
conditions, from heart disease to asthma, are secure in the knowledge that insurance
companies can no longer discriminate against them. Women can no longer be charged more
than men just because of their gender. More Americans are able to get health coverage
(including mental health) than ever before, including the young and the vulnerable.
Democrats will keep up the fight until all Americans can access secure, affordable,
high-quality health insurance—because as Democrats, we fundamentally believe healthcare
is a right for all, not a privilege for the few.
Healthcare for All: The Public Option
Democrats believe we need to protect, strengthen, and build upon our bedrock health care programs,
including the Affordable Care Act, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Veterans Affairs (VA) system. Private
insurers need real competition to incentivize them to give affordable, quality coverage to every American.
Towards those goals, we will give all Americans the choice to select a high-quality, affordable public option
through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. The public option will provide at least one plan without
deductibles or premiums; will be administered publicly; will cover all primary care without any co-payments
and control other costs by negotiating prices with doctors and hospitals, just like Medicare.
Everyone will be eligible to choose the public option or another Affordable Care Act marketplace plan. To
help close the persistent racial gap in insurance rates, Democrats will expand funding for Affordable Care
Act outreach and enrollment programs, so every American knows their options for securing quality,
affordable coverage.
Energy: A New Industrial Policy for America
America adopted an historic new Industrial Policy with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (2021) and Inflation
Reduction Act (2022). Championed by Democrats, this policy is rebuilding infrastructure, raising new factories, &
investing in cleaner, more affordable energy. As Democrats, we believe in industrial expansion that avoids the
damaging booms-and-busts of the old economy, focusing instead on efficient, sustainable development that is
better for workers and for public health.
Reducing the costs of energy. WV has among the highest utility rates in the USA. Yet, our utility infrastructure is
some of the oldest, and we experience frequent outages. We support the development of all energy
resources—including distributed generation, energy efficiency, public transit, and electric vehicles—leading to lower
energy bills, increased industrial output, and better health outcomes for workers and the public.
Reducing emissions can occur with all fuel sources. Each fuel source can and must play a part in reducing
emissions that cause disease or environmental disruption. Democrats support efforts to reduce emissions promptly
while promoting well-paying jobs and union representation for energy workers.
Protecting public health is a matter of equity. Disparities in environmental quality—often in relation to energy
production—have contributed to disproportionate rates of infection and death in low-income communities of WV.
Energy production can contribute to public health risks, which should be controlled.
Sustainable development requires farming and small business.
Environment
Protecting the environment is about conserving natural resources, protecting
special places, and ensuring that resource development does not cause more
harm than good. Development should not leave behind billions of dollars in
unfunded reclamation costs and climate impacts, which vastly outstrip the
economic benefits of resource production, and harm tourism opportunities.
Companies should have to pay for the true costs of their pollution, so our people
and State don’t become poorer while many out-of-state companies get rich.
Economic and environmental justice go hand in hand. If companies emit toxic
substances and pollution, workers suffer the most immediate exposures. If
companies can walk away from paying workers’ healthcare, they can more easily
close up and abandon polluted job sites, harming the environment.
Public Health
Democrats believe we must reverse decades of underinvestment in America’s
public health infrastructure.
Democrats support the physical, mental, and social health of all residents.
Public health also requires food security and access to nature.
Federal, state, and local public health departments should be given sufficient
resources to address healthcare, pandemic diseases, and other public health
crises through coordinated efforts that are inclusive of underrepresented groups
who may be disproportionately impacted.
In a public health crisis, we all have to rely on each other.
Immigration: Heritage, Mercy, & Hope
Heritage Guides Us. Our proud heritage as West Virginians is that we were settled by diverse people from
all over the world looking for a better life. They became the backbone of our middle class. We support
securing our borders while welcoming all who legally enter our country. Secure borders, humanitarianism,
and attracting the best and brightest from the world are not mutually exclusive. We support immigration
law reforms.
Grace and Mercy. As Democrats, we are guided by grace and mercy toward our fellow humans. Under
Republicans, cruelty and dehumanization of immigrants stretches the imagination and shocks the
conscience: forcibly separating families and putting children in cages; deporting veterans who have fought
to defend our freedoms; conducting militarized raids on our workplaces; endangering lives by denying
medical testing and treatment based on immigration status; banning people from traveling to the United
States based on their faith or their country of origin; and turning away refugees and asylum seekers
fleeing violence and persecution. These actions should not happen in our country.
Economic Hope. Immigration helps us grow our economy, historically & today.
This benefits each of us.
Global Leadership
Democrats believe the ultimate measure or purpose of our foreign policy is whether it protects
and advances America’s security, prosperity, and values, and delivers results for all Americans.
We will revitalize the power and purpose of American diplomacy to compete in a more contested
world. We honor our veterans and our military, and believe we must invest to honor their
sacrifice. We will lead not just with the example of our power, but with the power of our example.
We will place our core values of democracy, labor (fair trade), and human rights at the center of
our foreign policy. And we will reinvent alliances, partnerships, and international institutions to
meet common challenges that no country can face on its own.
The world today looks very different from the post-WWII period that gave birth to our alliance
system. But these changes make our alliances more—not less—crucial to our success.
As to foreign affairs, W. Va. Democrats generally support the national
platform of the Democratic Party.
Democratic Platform v. Republican Platform
Most West Virginians share our Democratic commitment to building modern
infrastructure and Mountain State values of equal rights and opportunity for all.
By contrast, the Republican platform & agenda openly focus on extreme
divisiveness to:
● Divide people based on religious views for partisan gain.
● Meddle with the free market by concealing the costs of pollution and workers’
health, picking winners & losers in energy & tax policy.
● Damage diversity & equity. Republicans profess support for “equal justice
under the law” – but promotes hateful comments, indicating some people are
more equal than others.
W. Va. Democratic Platform: Looking to the Future
Attracting new residents and keeping our youth are critical components to the
long-term goals of achieving a more just society, reversing population loss, and
fostering an inclusive, equitable, and growing economy.
To those ends, as set forth in this platform, Democrats will remain focused on
being an inclusive party that delivers modern infrastructure and equal
opportunities for all.
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