Capito Projected to Win Senate Reelection
Republican Shelley Moore Capito was projected to win another term over Democrat Rachel Fetty Anderson in West Virginia.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections
Decision Desk HQ projected Republican Senator Shelley Moore Capito as the winner of her U.S. Senate reelection race in West Virginia, with 0 percent of the vote reported at the time. Her Democratic opponent in the race is Rachel Fetty Anderson.
Why it matters
The projection points to a continuation of Capito's Senate tenure, which would be her third term if confirmed. Her reelection keeps West Virginia's Senate seat in Republican hands.
The projection was issued at 7:33 p.m. EST on November 4, 2026, before any votes had been counted. Capito's win would extend her Senate service, which began after her years in the U.S. House from 2003 to 2014.
The players
Shelley Moore Capito
Capito is a Republican senator from West Virginia who chairs the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and previously served in the U.S. House from 2003 to 2014.
Rachel Fetty Anderson
Anderson is the Democratic candidate who ran against Capito in the West Virginia Senate race.
Decision Desk HQ
Decision Desk HQ is a national election results and projection service that issued the call for Capito's reelection.
The details
Capito was endorsed by President Trump in May 2026 and by Senator Jim Justice. She chairs the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and is the first West Virginia woman elected to the Senate.
Timeline
May 2026: President Trump endorsed Capito on Truth Social.
November 4, 2026, 7:33 p.m. EST: Decision Desk HQ projected Capito's reelection.
Political Context
Capito's career continues a family tradition in West Virginia politics, following her father's two stints as governor in the late 1960s, 1970s, and late 1980s. Her reelection would make her the state's first woman to serve in the Senate for a third term.
A third term keeps Capito in a position to shape federal environment and public works policy affecting West Virginians. Residents will see whether her committee role translates into the infrastructure and regulatory decisions she has pursued.
The takeaway
Capito's projected win shows how early network calls can shape election-night coverage before votes are counted. Readers should watch the certified results to confirm the final margin.
Further reading
For more on the race, see Elections coverage across West Virginia.
