West Virginia Senator Invites Border Counties to Join the Mountain State

West Virginia- In a bold and symbolic move, West Virginia State Senator Chris Rose has introduced a resolution inviting 30 counties from neighboring Virginia and Maryland to consider joining West Virginia. The proposal, titled the “Resolution Inviting Virginia and Maryland Counties to Join the Mountain State,” aims to strengthen regional ties and promote shared Appalachian values.
The resolution specifically names 27 counties in Virginia—including Augusta, Buchanan, Giles, and Wise—and three in Maryland: Allegany, Garrett, and Washington. These areas, according to Senator Rose, share “geographic, economic, cultural, and historical connections with West Virginia,” including a strong Appalachian heritage, rural lifestyles, and a focus on individual liberties.
Senator Rose emphasized that the invitation is rooted in a desire to give residents a voice amid shifting political landscapes in their home states. “Many of these communities feel increasingly disconnected from the policies and priorities of their state governments,” Rose said in a statement. “This resolution offers them a chance to explore a future with West Virginia—one that reflects their values and way of life.”
The proposal follows recent political developments in Virginia and Maryland. In Virginia, Democrat Abigail Spanberger was elected governor, succeeding Republican Glenn Youngkin. Meanwhile, Maryland Governor Wes Moore has launched a redistricting advisory commission, prompting concerns among some rural residents about representation and policy direction.
Governor Patrick Morrisey has echoed the sentiment, encouraging Virginians who feel politically alienated to consider relocating to West Virginia. “It’s about to get awful blue in the Commonwealth of Virginia,” Morrisey said earlier this week. “Now is your chance to escape to wild and wonderful West Virginia.”
While the resolution is non-binding and largely symbolic, it taps into a long-standing cultural and political kinship between West Virginia and its Appalachian neighbors. Similar proposals have surfaced in the past, often as expressions of regional identity and resistance to perceived overreach by state governments.
Whether the idea gains traction remains to be seen, but it has already sparked conversation across state lines—and reignited questions about representation, rural identity, and the future of Appalachian communities.
For more information or to view the full resolution, residents can visit the West Virginia Legislature’s website or follow updates from Senator Rose’s office.