On May 12, 2026, West Virginia held a nonpartisan election for two seats on the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. Tenth Circuit Court Judge H.L. Kirkpatrick defeated incumbent Titus along with former 23rd Circuit Court Judge Laura Faircloth, Raleigh County Circuit Judge Todd Kirby, and attorney Martin Sheehan, winning a seat on the court with a term ending in 2028. West Virginia House Republican Representative Bill Flanigan defeated incumbent Ewing, winning the other seat on the court with a term ending in 2032.
Estimated Total TV Spending:
Candidates:
- Estimated spending by H.L. Kirkpatrick: $819,350
- Estimated spending by Gerald Titus: $534,862
- Estimated spending by Tom Ewing: $99,690
- Estimated spending by Bill Flanigan: $153,093
Outside Groups:
- Estimated spending by First Principles PAC: $238,987
- Estimated spending by Almost Heaven Action Fund:
Advertisements (provided by MediaRadar/CMAG)
May 5 – Defend the Rule of Law 15
In this ad, a voiceover says: “Former federal prosecutor Gerald Titus defends the rule of law on West Virginia Supreme Court, reducing crime and combating the drug abuse crisis.”
Sponsor: First Principles PAC
May 1 – Trusted Conservative
In this ad, a voiceover says: “As a Supreme Court justice, Flanigan will serve with integrity, firm, fair and a fresh approach to the courts.”
Sponsor: Almost Heaven Action Fund
April 23 – Uphold the Constitution 15
In this ad, Bill Flanigan says: “I’ll uphold the Constitution, I’ll apply the law as written and I’ll protect your rights.”
Sponsor: Bill Flanigan
April 17 – Trust
In this ad, a voiceover says: “West Virigina families need a state supreme court they can trust – Tom Ewing has spent his career delivering that.”
Sponsor: Tom Ewing
April 8 – Most Experienced Candidate
In this ad, a voiceover says: “Kirkpatrick has a record of tough sentencing – he keeps us safe.”
Sponsor: H.L. Kirkpatrick
