February 26, 2026
New polling from RABA Research finds overwhelming bipartisan support for increasing teacher pay and strong opposition to cutting Medicaid, unemployment benefits, and worker protections. The poll reveals voters across the political spectrum prioritize economic security, public education funding, and protecting working families. The poll of 500 voters in West Virginia was conducted February 23-25, 2026, via an online survey.
The poll reveals that West Virginia voters across the political spectrum prioritize economic security, public education funding, and protecting working families.
Teacher Pay Is a Political Consensus Issue
West Virginians overwhelmingly support raising pay for educators and school service personnel:
- 60% strongly support
- 30% somewhat support
- 90% total support
Additionally, 87% of voters say they would be more willing to vote for a candidate who supports increasing pay for teachers and school personnel. At a time when the state faces teacher shortages and rising healthcare costs for educators, voters are sending a clear message: investing in schools is a top priority.
Voters Demand School Funding Reform Before More Closures
Thirty public schools closed between 2022 and 2024. In response, voters strongly support reforming the state’s school aid formula before additional closures occur:
- 55% strongly support
- 36% somewhat support
- 91% total support
There was virtually no strong opposition to this proposal, underscoring the urgency voters feel about protecting local schools and communities.
Broad Opposition to Cutting Benefits
The survey shows strong resistance to reducing public benefits and worker protections:
- 71% oppose reducing unemployment benefits
- 88% oppose cutting Medicaid services
- 74% would be less likely to support a candidate who increases health insurance premiums for state workers
- 69% would be less likely to support a candidate who weakens child labor laws
- 73% oppose cutting the federal workforce knowing it impacts nearly 20,000 West Virginians
These findings indicate that voters strongly favor protecting healthcare access, worker rights, and economic stability.
Majority of Voters Favor Limits on Hope Scholarships
When presented with concerns about the rising cost of the Hope voucher program and its contribution to public school closures and reduced funding, voters favor limiting eligibility for the Hope Scholarship voucher program:
- 55% support limiting eligibility
- 44% oppose
Voters Divided on Governor Morrisey and Political Landscape
Patrick Morrisey holds a 44% favorable and 37% unfavorable rating, with 19% of voters saying they are unfamiliar with him.
- 49% say West Virginia is on the right track
- 51% say it is on the wrong track
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The survey makes clear that policies perceived as cutting benefits or weakening protections face strong public opposition, while investments in public education command near-universal support. Respondents overwhelmingly support:
- Raising teacher pay
- Protecting Medicaid
- Preserving worker benefits
- Preventing additional school closures