Summary
Lawmakers in West Virginia are considering adding parts of neighboring Maryland and Virginia to expand the state's borders. This proposal is driven by cultural and political differences, with several counties expressing interest in joining West Virginia. The initiative is part of a larger trend where rural areas seek to align with similar communities due to perceived differences with more urban regions.
Key Facts
- West Virginia may change its borders for the first time in over 100 years.
- The proposal includes adding counties from Maryland and Virginia to West Virginia.
- State Senator Chris Rose is leading the resolution for this border change.
- The plan invites 27 counties from Virginia and three from Maryland.
- A rural–urban divide is a main reason for this initiative, with rural areas wanting more aligned governance.
- Similar movements are occurring in California, Illinois, and Oregon for more suitable state governance.
- West Virginia is a strongly Republican state with many of the targeted counties also leaning Republican.
