Shelley Moore Capito is the senior Republican senator from West Virginia, first elected in 2014 and reelected in 2020. Born in Glendale, West Virginia, on November 26, 1953, she earned her B.S. from Duke University (1975) and M.Ed. from the University of Virginia (1976). Before entering the Senate, she served as a college counselor, member of the West Virginia House of Delegates (1997-2001), and U.S. Representative from West Virginia's 2nd congressional district (2001-2015). Capito is the first female U.S. senator in West Virginia's history and the first West Virginia Republican to win a full Senate term since 1942. She is currently the fourth-ranking member of the Republican-controlled Senate and chairs the Environment and Public Works Committee.
Capito was born in Glendale, West Virginia, and is the daughter of three-term West Virginia Governor and six-term U.S. Representative Arch Alfred Moore Jr. She graduated from Duke University with a B.S. in chemistry (1975) and earned an M.Ed. from the University of Virginia (1976). She worked as a college counselor and director of an educational information center before entering politics. Capito has been married to Charles L. Capito Jr. for over 30 years and has three adult children. She is known for her business-friendly voting record, environmental stewardship advocacy despite supporting coal industry, and bipartisan efforts on certain issues. She serves as Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Pro-fossil fuel development and extraction industry support
Endorsed by Gas & Oil Association of West Virginia; supports responsible energy development and regulatory certainty
Voting History: Co-sponsored legislation to prevent EPA enforcement of coal power plant emission regulations; voted to limit EPA water-pollution regulation of coal mining
Mixed record; supports environmental stewardship but prioritizes energy production
Chairs Environment and Public Works Committee; voted to disapprove EPA California emissions rule in 2026
Voting History: Opposed Freedom to Vote Act; voted for environmental restrictions on coal mining while balancing economic concerns
Restrictive immigration stance
Campaign touts support for Trump immigration crackdown; co-sponsored Dalilah's Law Act creating penalties for illegal immigrants obtaining commercial driver's licenses
Voting History: Supported Afghan Refugee Resettlement Program alongside Democrats (controversial among some conservatives)
Conservative record on abortion
Voted to protect Planned Parenthood funding restrictions; voted to protect abortion pill restrictions
Voting History: Opposed abortion in military hospitals; generally conservative voting record on reproductive issues
Mixed record; some support for gun control measures while defending gun rights
Criticized by primary opponent Tom Willis for voting for 'red flag' gun laws; generally conservative on Second Amendment
Voting History: Supported additional gun control legislation in 2013; released ads emphasizing support for gun rights
Capito has served in Congress since 2001, first in the House and since 2015 in the Senate. GovTrack data shows she missed 125 of 4,182 roll call votes (3.0%) from 2001-2026, on par with Senate median. She serves as Senate Republican Policy Committee Chair and chairs the Environment and Public Works Committee. National Journal gave her a 54% conservative and 43% liberal score on social policy. Her House voting record earned 91% lifetime score from U.S. Chamber of Commerce and endorsement from National Association of Manufacturers.
| Bill | Title | Vote | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HR 2610 | Afghan Refugee Resettlement Program - $13 billion spending | Yea | 2021-08-15 | Controversial vote with some conservatives; joined Democrats in supporting Biden administration resettlement effort |
| S. 4221 | Ensuring Better Interest Treatment and Deductibility (EBITDA) Act | Introduced | 2026-03-26 | Co-sponsored pro-growth tax policy legislation with Republican colleagues |
| S. 4224 | Dalilah's Law Act - Commercial Driver's License restrictions for illegal immigrants | Introduced | 2026-03-15 | Immigration enforcement legislation co-sponsored with fellow Republicans |
| S. 45 & S. 4036 | California emissions rule disapproval and AADAPT Act | Introduced/Supported | 2025-2026 | Energy and environmental regulation votes affecting coal and energy production in West Virginia |
Official communications are formal, policy-focused, and emphasize constituent services and infrastructure benefits. Campaign materials emphasize support for Trump agenda and traditional Republican priorities.
Capito has been in Washington too long and no longer represents conservative values; voted for Afghan refugee resettlement, red flag gun laws, and skipped vote on male athletes in girls' sports
Willis claims Capito ranked among highest Senate members for insider trading and that she is part of Washington establishment that has let down West Virginia
Capito's family represents 'oligarchical presence' in West Virginia politics through her father (former Gov. Arch Moore), brother-in-law (U.S. Rep. Riley Moore), and nephew (U.S. Attorney Moore Capito)
Willis uses family political dominance as criticism of entrenched power
Capito voted for Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill' (Working Families Tax Cuts/Inflation Reduction Act modifications) that cut Medicaid and raised healthcare costs for West Virginians
Jeff Kessler and other Democrats cite healthcare impact as key campaign criticism
Capito is a 'rubber stamp for Trump's political agenda' and abandicated legislative duties by not holding executive branch accountable
Jeff Kessler and Democratic primary candidates argue Capito fails constitutional oversight responsibilities