MARTINSBURG — U.S. Senate candidate Rachel Fetty Anderson (D) attended a public candidate forum in Martinsburg on Friday, October 16, while incumbent Republican Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R) remained absent despite receiving an invitation to participate.
According to a statement released by the campaign, Anderson, the Democratic nominee challenging Capito, participated in Mountaineers Demand Answers, an event organized by Face the Mountaineers, a citizen-led coalition seeking greater accountability and direct engagement between candidates and West Virginia voters. Anderson also personally delivered an invitation to Capito’s office, but the senator had not confirmed her attendance before the event.
Anderson had called on Capito to appear before voters and answer their questions, emphasizing the importance of public officials engaging directly with constituents.
“You can’t be a good listener if you don’t show up to listen. Hopefully, Senator Capito can find her way to the Mountain State on October 16th. Public service means being accountable to the people, not avoiding their questions,” Anderson said in a statement ahead of the forum.
The event also included U.S. Senate candidate Marshall Wilson, the Constitution Party nominee. Organizers said Capito had been invited but had not committed to attending.
Held at the Apollo Theatre in Martinsburg, the forum gave participating candidates an opportunity to introduce themselves, address issues identified as priorities by West Virginia residents and answer questions from audience members. Capito’s absence meant she did not participate in the public discussion.
Face the Mountaineers was formed by West Virginians seeking more opportunities to question elected officials and candidates directly. Its members represent a range of political affiliations, including Republicans, Democrats, independents, Libertarians, unaffiliateds, progressives and Mountain Party supporters.
The forum took place less than three weeks before Election Day on November 3, when West Virginia voters will decide the state’s U.S. Senate race.
