Alexander Gaaserud
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Alexander Gaaserud (Republican Party) is running for election to the U.S. Senate to represent West Virginia. He declared candidacy for the 2026 election.[source]
Gaaserud also ran for election to the U.S. House to represent West Virginia's 2nd Congressional District. He lost in the Republican primary on May 14, 2024.
Biography
Alexander "Alex" David Gaaserud was born in Elkins, West Virginia. Gaaserud graduated from Elkins High School in 2010. Gaaserud earned a B.S. in political science from Davis and Elkins College. His career experience includes working in third-party logistics.[1]
Elections
2026
See also: United States Senate election in West Virginia, 2026
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
General election for U.S. Senate West Virginia
Incumbent Shelley Moore Capito, Derrick Evans, and Alexander Gaaserud are running in the general election for U.S. Senate West Virginia on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Shelley Moore Capito (R) | |
 | Derrick Evans (R) | |
 | Alexander Gaaserud (R) | |
| ||||
 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
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2024
See also: West Virginia's 2nd Congressional District election, 2024
West Virginia's 2nd Congressional District election, 2024 (May 14 Republican primary)
West Virginia's 2nd Congressional District election, 2024 (May 14 Democratic primary)
General election
General election for U.S. House West Virginia District 2
Riley Moore defeated Steven Wendelin in the general election for U.S. House West Virginia District 2 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Riley Moore (R) | 70.9 | 239,354 |
 | Steven Wendelin (D) | 29.1 | 98,087 | |
| Total votes: 337,441 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House West Virginia District 2
Steven Wendelin advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House West Virginia District 2 on May 14, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Steven Wendelin | 100.0 | 39,832 |
| Total votes: 39,832 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House West Virginia District 2
Riley Moore defeated Joseph Earley, Chris Walker, Dennis Cain, and Alexander Gaaserud in the Republican primary for U.S. House West Virginia District 2 on May 14, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Riley Moore | 45.0 | 47,033 |
 | Joseph Earley | 20.3 | 21,176 | |
 | Chris Walker | 14.5 | 15,203 | |
 | Dennis Cain | 13.0 | 13,625 | |
| Alexander Gaaserud | 7.1 | 7,453 | |
| Total votes: 104,490 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Heather Rosen-Turley (R)
- Rj Smith (R)
Endorsements
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Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Gaaserud in this election.
Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
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You can ask Alexander Gaaserud to fill out this survey by using the button below or emailing [email protected].
2024
Alexander Gaaserud did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.
Campaign website
Gaaserud’s campaign website stated the following:
| “ |
West Virginia Economy: The West Virginia economy has long struggled to keep pace with the rest of the country. Despite having a rich history and abundance of natural resources such as coal, timber, and natural gas, the state's economy has consistently ranked among the lowest in the nation. This is in part due to excessive regulations that have stifled growth in these industries and prevented them from reaching their full potential. However, it is time for West Virginia to take action and tap into its heritage to revitalize its economy. The state must fight against harmful regulations and work to create a business-friendly environment that encourages growth in its traditional industries. At the same time, it is important to provide opportunities for future generations and equip them with the skills they need to succeed in the modern economy. This means investing in trade schools and job training programs to help residents acquire the skills they need to compete in today's job market. By doing so, West Virginia can create a brighter future for its families and ensure that they have the quality of life they deserve. Taxes: Lower state income taxes 10% immediately after taking office, with the goal of eventually eliminating it entirely within five years of taking office. Eliminate vehicle and machinery taxes for any vehicle or machine after four years, keeping the inventory tax in place. Freeze all vice-taxes on soda, alcohol, tobacco, and vaping products. We must modernize our tax code which is stunting economic success and opportunity in West Virginia. We need to make changes to our tax code similar to those that Tennessee and Florida have enacted. Temporarily eliminate the severance tax on coal. Immigration: Immigration is a complex and sensitive issue that has far-reaching impacts on our nation as a whole, and in West Virginia in particular. Although our state may not have a high population of undocumented immigrants, we are still deeply affected by the problems that arise from an unsecured border. One of the most pressing issues we face is the opioid crisis, which has wreaked havoc on our communities and has been fueled by the influx of drugs across our porous borders. It is for this reason that I am committed to supporting measures that will secure our borders and protect our residents. I believe that building a wall is an important step in achieving this goal, as it will help to deter the flow of illegal drugs into our state. I understand that this is a contentious issue and that there are those in Washington who oppose this approach, but I am determined to fight for what I believe is right. I will use every opportunity to resist the Biden administration's efforts to undermine our efforts to secure the border and reduce the pain and suffering of our residents. This is a difficult battle, but I am unwavering in my commitment to finish what President Trump started and build the wall. Law Enforcement: As a proud resident of West Virginia, I believe it is our duty to support and protect those who protect us. Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, and they deserve our gratitude and support in return. Unfortunately, there are those on the radical left and within the Black Lives Matter movement who would seek to undermine their efforts and defund our police departments. As a voice of reason in Congress, I will work tirelessly to prevent this from happening. I believe that our police officers play a critical role in maintaining the rule of law and order, and that they should be adequately funded and equipped to perform their duties. Additionally, I believe that it is important to respect the rights of law-abiding citizens and not put the rights of criminals ahead of their safety and well-being. I will always fight to ensure that our citizens can live in peace and security, and that our law enforcement officers have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively. US Military and Foreign Wars: As someone who holds the safety and security of our nation and our military members in high esteem, I believe that a strong military is essential to ensuring peace and stability both at home and abroad. I subscribe to the philosophy of peace through strength, recognizing that having a well-equipped and capable military can serve as a deterrent to those who would seek to do us harm. However, I also understand that the excessive use of military force in foreign wars can put our service members in harm's way, and that we need to be judicious in our deployment of military resources. That is why I believe it is important to put America first and carefully consider each situation, asking ourselves whether it is worth putting American lives in danger. If the answer is no, then we must be willing to resist the temptation to use military force, even if it is difficult. I will take my role as a Congressman for the people very seriously, and I understand that the families of our military members are counting on me to make informed and responsible decisions. Before casting any vote that would put our military members in harm's way, I will always consider the well-being of their families and the sacrifices that they make. This is a sacred oath that I take seriously, and I will do everything in my power to ensure that our military members are only deployed when it is absolutely necessary and in the best interests of our nation. Generational Leadership: I am deeply committed to the principles of equality and opportunity that define the American way of life, I believe that it is time for a change in leadership in West Virginia. For too long, certain families have dominated the political landscape of our state, perpetuating a system of nepotism and privilege that runs counter to the values of our country. The American dream is built on the idea that individuals can achieve success and prosperity through their own hard work and determination, regardless of their family background. But in West Virginia, it seems that some families have not gotten the memo from 1776, when our country won its independence from the British monarchy and established itself as a beacon of freedom and opportunity for all. It is time for a new generation of leaders to step up and take the reins, breaking free from the grip of these powerful family dynasties and charting a new course for our state. The Manchins, the Moores, and the McCoys are not the only families in West Virginia, and it is time to give other families and individuals a chance to make their mark and contribute to the future of our state. We need fresh perspectives, new ideas, and a new vision for our future, and I am committed to leading that charge. Education: Create a two-track learning experience starting in ninth grade. The pathways will include a traditional path and a vocational path. The traditional route will be comprised of educational objectives that fit in-line with pursuing a four-year degree. The vocational pathway will allow students to pursue learning skills and aspects of trade work such as contracting, masonry, welding, electric, computer science, etc. Both routes will include financial literacy courses that teach students household and personal finance. The curriculum will include, but not be limited to, budgeting, investing, credit handling, and how to start a business. Implementing this plan will allow our students to make better informed decisions about pursing their careers in higher levels of education and the risks and costs associated with both. We are going to start the “Teacher Recruitment Taskforce” as it is critical that we recruit teachers as we have a deficit of 1,100-plus teachers in West Virginia. We will pay up for talent and retraining of current teachers. Every school needs an elite, highly respected teacher to lift each school individually. Starting in second and third grades, every classroom will be expected to keep weekly reports on the progress of each student in reading, writing, and mathematics, and the state will follow the progression and interject when needed. We are proponents of school-choice, but our focus is on transforming public education into the 21st century in West Virginia. Our workforce is not trained to do the jobs that we will be bringing here so we must start now to change that current reality. BAN CRT and NO Gender Affirming Counseling whatsoever. Drug and Opioid Crisis: Establish a rehab treatment facility in each of the 55 West Virginia counties. These facilities will help identify, treat, monitor, and transition people to the work force with continued support and supervision. We must localize treatment. We also must create a massive awareness program at the state level which will be relentless in educating and dissuading our youth from doing these hard and dangerous drugs. Think of Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program (D.A.R.E.) time 1,000 and modernized. No more safe places to shoot up in public. Obviously, we must change our education system and bring robust economic opportunity to West Virginia to beat this crisis. Abortion: As someone who values human life, I hold a steadfast stance on the issue of abortion. I firmly believe in the sanctity of life and am deeply committed to protecting the unborn. That is why I am overjoyed at the recent developments regarding the landmark Supreme Court case of Roe v. Wade, which has opened up new opportunities to protect the lives of the unborn. I am pro-life, meaning that I believe every human life is valuable and deserving of protection, no matter how small or vulnerable. This is a deeply held conviction for me, and I am grateful that the recent changes in the legal landscape have provided an opportunity for us to work towards this goal. I am hopeful that these developments will lead to a reduction in the number of abortions performed and a greater respect for the value of human life. In short, I am excited about the future and the potential to save countless lives in the years to come.[2] |
” |
| —Alexander Gaaserud’s campaign website (2024)[3] | ||
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
2026 Elections
External links
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Footnotes
- ↑ Alex Gaaserud for West Virginia, "About," accessed March 10, 2024
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Alex Gaaserud for West Virginia, “Issues,” accessed March 10, 2024
