Capito Veterans Coalition Launches Campaign to Reelect Senator

Former National Guard leaders and other veterans announce support for Shelley Moore Capito's Senate reelection bid.

Feb. 2, 2026 at 11:39pm

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U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia kicked off her reelection campaign in Morgantown, joined by former West Virginia National Guard Adjutant Generals James Hoyer and Bill Crane, as well as other veterans, who announced the formation of the Sen. Capito Veterans Coalition. The group praised Capito's long-standing support for service members, veterans, and their families.

Why it matters

Capito's reelection bid is an important race that could impact the balance of power in the U.S. Senate. The endorsement from the Capito Veterans Coalition highlights her efforts to support the military community in West Virginia, which makes up a significant portion of the state's population.

The details

At the event, Hoyer and Crane spoke about Capito's track record of championing issues important to service members, veterans, and their families, dating back to her time in the state legislature. Capito discussed her work to address mental health needs, expand GI Bill benefits, and improve pay and housing for veterans. She also fielded a question about ongoing negotiations in Congress over a Department of Homeland Security funding bill.

  • The Capito Veterans Coalition kicked off its campaign on Monday, February 3, 2026.

The players

Shelley Moore Capito

U.S. Senator from West Virginia who is running for reelection.

James Hoyer

Former West Virginia National Guard Adjutant General who is supporting Capito's reelection campaign.

Bill Crane

Former West Virginia National Guard Adjutant General who is supporting Capito's reelection campaign.

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What they’re saying

“She has been – over the years of all our experience – going back to when she was a member of the House of Delegates, she's been a steadfast champion of service members, veterans, but also, more importantly to us, the families of our service members and veterans.”

— James Hoyer, Former West Virginia National Guard Adjutant General

“She has done so much for me, for our family, and for the whole family of veterans in West Virginia.”

— Bill Crane, Former West Virginia National Guard Adjutant General

What’s next

The Capito Veterans Coalition will continue to campaign and rally support for Senator Capito's reelection bid ahead of the May primary election.

The takeaway

Senator Capito's strong support from West Virginia's veteran community highlights her long-standing commitment to military families and her efforts to address their unique needs and challenges. This endorsement could prove crucial in her bid to retain her Senate seat.