CHARLESTON — Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Rachel Fetty Anderson is making campaign finance and the influence of outside political spending a central issue in her campaign, arguing that large contributions have contributed to what she describes as a leadership crisis in West Virginia and across the country.
Fetty Anderson said she decided to seek the Senate seat despite not having millions of dollars behind her campaign.
“Some people have asked, ‘Why would I run for U.S. Senate if I don’t already have millions of dollars?’” she said. “I’m running because our state and our country are having a leadership crisis. They have forgotten who we work for and we are feeling the effects of that every day.”
Fetty Anderson pointed to the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission decision, which removed certain restrictions on independent political spending by corporations and unions. She argued that the ruling has allowed wealthy interests and organizations to exert too much influence over elections.
“Why is this happening? For the same reason I have no money. Because of Citizens United,” Fetty Anderson said. “When the Supreme Court ruled that corporations are people, they sold our elections to the highest bidder. And they devalued and diminished all human beings, including our children.”
Fetty Anderson said she will not accept contributions from corporations, industry groups or political action committees representing foreign governments.
“I will not take any money from corporations, industry or PACs that represent a foreign government. Because I don’t work for them. I will work for you.”
The difference in fundraising between Fetty Anderson and Republican U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito is substantial. Fetty Anderson has raised $35,012.38 for her campaign, with 87.46% of the money coming from contributors in West Virginia. Capito has raised $8,745,971.26, with 7.52% coming from West Virginia contributors.
Her comments instead broadly criticized contributions from PACs that she says represent foreign-government interests and argued that elected officials should be accountable to voters rather than organizations and special interests.
“If you believe we need to take big money out of politics, please support my campaign and make sure you vote early or on Election Day,” Fetty Anderson said.
The November 3, 2026 general election will give voters the opportunity to weigh the candidates and their positions before casting their ballots.
