It was the people of Rainelle, Clendenin and Richwood that led the recovery effort in the 2016 flood. It was volunteers in Kanawha and Boone and Putnam that ensured thousands of us had the drinking water we needed in 2014. In the coming weeks, it is likely that our state will face a coronavirus outbreak.

Now, as then, we will look to one another for guidance. And now, as then, we will look to one another for leadership. 

Here is what our campaign is setting into motion to begin IMMEDIATELY to respond to and prepare for an outbreak:

• We are launching a WV Coronavirus Resource Page at wvcantwait.com/coronavirus/: You can find WV-specific coronavirus updates, including information on transmission, best practices and volunteer opportunities at wvcantwait.com/coronavirus. We’ve begun to build this site in the last 12 hours. We welcome additional resources to be sent to [email protected].

• Coronavirus updates on FB live: We will host twice-weekly FB live updates on the status of the virus: Sunday and Wednesday evenings at 8:30pm. We’ll share the latest news from health officials, best practices for minimizing the spread, and ways we can help our neighbors.

• Ways to pitch in now: We’re also creating an up-to-date guide for how we can all pitch in and help our neighbors. Send needs/resources you know of to [email protected].

Here are our campaign-specific precautions:

• We are moving in-person Town Halls and visits to online: All previously-scheduled Town Halls and community visits will move online at least until April 13th. Attendees will be able to join by phone or video link and participate in the campaign remotely (our campaign has had more than a year’s practice hosting large group gatherings online.) 

• We are postponing all Crowd Canvass events: More details about our evolving voter contact strategy will be released soon.

• We are opening even more blocks of my time to be able to communicate with voters by phone. I am available to talk to anyone who wishes to speak to me just email me at [email protected]. 

Click here to read the full statement

In West Virginia, it’s in our blood to fight for each other, to come together in crisis. There’s no place I’d rather be right now than in this state, in this movement, with all of you. Be safe. 

Stephen Smith

Candidate for Governor