Huntington Times

Marshall University hosted a candidate forum on October 8, 2024, in the Encova Auditorium at the Brad D. Smith Center for Business and Innovation. The event brought together students, faculty, staff, and community members to hear from candidates running for mayor of Huntington and governor of West Virginia.

The forum featured gubernatorial candidates Steve Williams from the Democratic Party and S. Marshall Wilson representing the Constitution Party. Participating mayoral candidates included Patrick Farrell from the Republican Party, Jay Michaels as an Independent, and Jennifer Wheeler from the Democratic Party. Audience members submitted questions that were addressed live during the event.

Moderated by Martha Woodward, Co-President of the League of Women Voters of the Huntington Area, alongside student moderator Quinlin Sollars, the event was also emceed by Dr. Montserrat Miller from John Deaver Drinko Academy. Dr. Miller described it as "timely, informative and a model of civil discourse."

This initiative is part of Marshall University's commitment to being a Voter Friendly Campus—the only one in West Virginia. The forum was livestreamed with recordings available online.

Residents in West Virginia have until October 15 to register to vote with early voting commencing on October 23 at locations including Marshall's Drinko Library for Cabell County residents.

Although invited, gubernatorial candidates Attorney General Patrick Morrisey (Republican), Erika Kolenich (Libertarian), and Chase Linko-Looper (Mountain Party) did not attend.

Photos from the event are accessible online.