On a Charleston college campus near the Kanawha River, residents, many in patriotic attire or "Make America Great Again" shirts, walked past an RV displaying Michael Flynn's image, a central figure in efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
Inside a brick building, they awaited a film portraying Flynn, a former general and Trump administration national security adviser, as a hero unjustly targeted by the "deep state." A banner accompanying the screening displayed a collage of shadowy photos and headlines, suggesting a web of conspiracy. The event also highlighted Flynn's endorsement of Derrick Evans, a GOP U.S. House candidate, who framed himself as a victim of political persecution after participating in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
Evans, 39, had served three months in prison for his role in the riot, which he now portrays as a badge of honor within the MAGA movement. The upcoming May 14 primary election was poised to be a crucial test for District 1, heavily Republican, and had attracted national attention due to figures like Flynn getting involved in the race.
Despite Evans' efforts to rally support from those who view the Capitol rioters as patriots, political observers in West Virginia remained skeptical of his chances against incumbent Carol Miller. Miller, known for her pro-Trump stance, has a strong base of support and a well-established political presence in the state. However, Evans had shown some signs of progress, including raising more campaign funds than expected and gaining endorsements from key figures within the GOP.
While Evans' campaign gained momentum among some anti-establishment Republican voters, especially those disillusioned with the state's economic struggles and drug epidemic, others viewed his involvement in the Capitol riot as disqualifying. The evolving views on the events of January 6, as reflected in polls, suggested a shifting landscape in political attitudes.
As the election neared, the contest in West Virginia's District 1 highlighted deeper divisions within the Republican Party, with Evans representing a more radical, insurgent wing while Miller stood as a traditional, pro-Trump candidate. The outcome of the primary would not only determine the Republican candidate for the district but also carry implications for the party's future direction and its stance on the events of January 6.