West Virginiaâs long population slide has cost the state an additional congressional seat, according to U.S. Census Bureau data released Monday.
The change is likely to force three Republican incumbents to vie for two House districts after the next round of redistricting.
The census data delivered the latest blow to West Virginia, where the resident population dipped to 1,793,716 in 2020, down nearly 3.2% from 1,852,994 in 2010 â the largest decline in the nation. The state once had six House seats, but the delegation has been shrinking since 1960.
As the exodus continued, Gov. Jim Justice and the GOP lawmakers who have a supermajority in the Legislature tried to cut income taxes this year to entice more to stay and others to move in. The state has even offered financial incentives, including free admission to state tourist and recreation attractions, to lure new residents.