A coalition of Republican lawmakers in West Virginia has officially launched a state freedom caucus to promote constitutional federalism and strengthen conservative governance, making West Virginia the 14th state to establish such a group.

The West Virginia Freedom Caucus (WVFC), chaired by Republican Rep. Chris Anders, seeks to address what he and other members see as the GOP’s failure to fully advance conservative policies despite supermajorities in both legislative chambers. Anders criticized members he described as “undocumented Democrats” within the Republican Party, saying they have blocked priorities the party’s base supports.

“Two-hundred-fifty years ago, American patriots organized to resist unjust taxation, gun confiscation, and the lack of self-determination,” Anders said. “It’s especially fitting that we are launching the West Virginia Freedom Caucus on the 250th anniversary [of our nation] to restore those same rights back to West Virginia.”

State Freedom Caucus Network President Andy Roth, whose organization helped coordinate the WVFC’s launch, echoed Anders’ concerns, warning that Democrats in red states often run as Republicans to block conservative legislation.

Despite holding supermajorities, 91-9 in the House and 32-2 in the Senate, West Virginia Republicans have repeatedly failed to pass key measures. Last year, for example, legislation supported by Republican Gov. Patrick Morrisey to repeal the state’s certificate-of-need process for healthcare facilities was defeated. The House also blocked bills to expand religious and medical vaccine exemptions.

The WVFC currently includes six members across both chambers and plans to grow following the 2026 election cycle. Its priorities include eliminating as many taxes as possible, reducing the size of government, enforcing immigration laws, prohibiting abortifacients, and pursuing other conservative reforms. Anders has introduced measures this session, including a constitutional amendment to repeal state property taxes and bills requiring local officials to report illegal immigrants to federal authorities.

While Anders expressed optimism that Governor Morrisey and Senate President Randy Smith would support the caucus, he predicted opposition from House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, describing the chamber as “quite hostile” to their efforts.

The launch of the WVFC reflects a broader trend among Republican-led states seeking to ensure their legislatures advance conservative principles without obstruction from moderates or crossover Democrats.