GOP Lawmaker Introduces Resolution Inviting 30 Counties To Join His State

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A West Virginia state lawmaker has introduced a resolution inviting 30 counties in Virginia and Maryland to join the Mountain State.

“West Virginia State Senator Chris Rose introduced a Senate Resolution inviting 27 counties from Virginia and three from Maryland to consider joining West Virginia, aiming to strengthen regional ties and promote shared Appalachian values,” a release from West Virginia state Sen. Chris Rose (R) read.

“The resolution highlights the historical precedent set by West Virginia’s formation in 1863, when counties separated from Virginia amid national division. It invites the Virginia counties of Alleghany, Augusta, Bath, Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Clarke, Craig, Dickenson, Frederick, Giles, Grayson, Highland, Lee, Page, Patrick, Rappahannock, Rockingham, Russell, Scott, Shenandoah, Smyth, Tazewell, Warren, Washington, Wise, and Wythe, along with Maryland’s Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties, to explore unification,” the release continued.

“These areas share geographic, economic, cultural, and historical connections with West Virginia, including a strong Appalachian heritage, rural lifestyles, and a focus on individual liberties,” it added.

“After the results of tonight’s elections, it is clear that West Virginia is Best Virginia. We will be here with open arms for any conservative who is wanting to truly embrace freedom. MONTANI SEMPER LIBERI!” Rose said on Tuesday.

The Hill shared:

The release also said that residents of the counties may be concerned regarding “policies in their current states that may not align with local priorities,” such as Second Amendment rights, economic development and rural representation.

On Tuesday, Democrat Abigail Spanberger won Virginia’s gubernatorial race, succeeding Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

Meanwhile, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) launched a redistricting advisory commission earlier that day, saying the goal is to ensure his state “has fair and representative maps.”

“These areas share geographic, economic, cultural, and historical connections with West Virginia, including a strong Appalachian heritage, rural lifestyles, and a focus on individual liberties,” Rose said.

This is not the first time such a move has been broached. In 2021, state legislators in Garrett, Allegany and Washington counties, the three Maryland counties Rose highlighted, asked West Virginia’s legislative leaders to join the state.

“The resolution notes that such a realignment would require approval from the Virginia and Maryland legislatures, as well as the U.S. Congress, under Article IV, Section 3 of the Constitution. It encourages discussions, referenda, and collaboration among residents, local governments, and state leaders,” the release read.

“Copies of the resolution will be sent to the governors and legislative leaders of Virginia and Maryland, the specified county commissions, and West Virginia’s congressional delegation,” it continued.

WBOY noted:

Senator Rose is also not alone in encouraging Virginians to leave their own state amid this week’s election. Shortly after the race was called Tuesday night, Gov. Patrick Morrisey commented on the results, saying, “It’s about to get awful blue in the commonwealth of Virginia. Don’t wait for the high taxes to heavy regulations to come, now is your chance to escape to wild and wonderful West Virginia.”



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