BERKELEY SPRINGS — Sen. Darren Thorne won the Republican Primary Tuesday for the 15th Senatorial District, defeating challengers Ken Reed and Robert Wolford in a three-candidate race spanning Hampshire, Morgan and Berkeley counties.
Thorne received 4,190 votes, or 55.3%, to secure the nomination. Reed finished with 2,692 votes, or 35.5%, while Wolford received 695 votes, or 9.2%.
Thorne’s victory was driven by substantial margins in Hampshire and Morgan counties, which outweighed Reed’s advantage in Berkeley County.
In Hampshire County, Thorne recorded his strongest performance, receiving 1,417 votes, or 70.3% of the countywide total. Wolford placed second in the county with 365 votes, or 18.1%, while Reed received 238 votes, or 11.8%.
Morgan County also favored Thorne, who earned 1,090 votes, or 57.7%. Reed received 690 votes, or 36.5%, and Wolford collected 111 votes, or 5.9%.
Reed’s strongest showing came in Berkeley County, where he led the field with 1,764 votes, or 48.1%. Thorne followed with 1,683 votes, or 45.9%, while Wolford received 219 votes, or 6%.
Thorne, a Hampshire County farmer, was appointed to the Senate in 2024 after previously serving in the House of Delegates. During the campaign, he focused on issues including agriculture, economic development and constitutional rights.
Reed, a pharmacist and former Morgan County commissioner, emphasized his business background and prior legislative experience. He previously served in the House of Delegates representing portions of the Eastern Panhandle and owns several businesses in the region with his wife, including Reeds’ Pharmacies and the Canary Grill in Berkeley Springs.
Wolford, a Hampshire County schoolteacher, veteran and historian, campaigned on government accountability and rural community issues.
The 15th Senatorial District includes Hampshire and Morgan counties and portions of Berkeley County.
Thorne will advance to the general election in November, where he is expected to face Democratic nominee Elizabeth Ferris.
