Steven Wendelin
WV-02 Democratic nominee?
$16.4K
MAY 13, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleU.S. Navy officer (Commander, retired)
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyConservative Democrat
GenderMale
LocationWest Virginia
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BackgroundU.S. Navy officer (Commander, retired)
EducationCalifornia Maritime Academy — B.S. (1990)
Notable personal detailsSteven M. Wendelin is a Democratic candidate for the U.S. House in West Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District. He is a retired U.S. Navy officer who retired at the rank of Commander in September 2023 after serving on active duty and in the reserves, with overseas assignments including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He earned a B.S. from the California Maritime Academy (1990) and later completed graduate degrees at Marine Corps University (2007) and the National Defense University (2014).
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Economy & Taxes
Supports limiting tax giveaways to the very wealthy, strengthening Social Security (including removing the payroll tax income cap), protecting social programs like Medicaid, and addressing national debt caused by policies favoring the rich.
Healthcare
Supports establishing universal healthcare with no deductibles, ending surprise billing, and restructuring health insurance as non‑profit. Prioritizes protecting and expanding rural hospitals and cracking down on private‑equity ownership of healthcare. Emphasizes fully funded veterans’ healthcare and opposing VA privatization.
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Immigration & Border
The candidate supports immigration system reform with an emphasis on enforcement and administration—calling for immigrants to be documented and to pay taxes and noting that immigration courts and Homeland Security are understaffed. His campaign materials do not articulate support for broad regularization or a pathway to citizenship on the platform pages reviewed.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
The candidate identifies as pro-choice, supports codifying the right to abortion, and says decisions about abortion should be left to the individual, their family, and their health care provider. He has said he is fine with people not wanting tax dollars used for abortion but believes abortion rights should have been codified earlier.
Climate & Energy
The candidate supports addressing climate change (listed “reversing climate change” among priorities) and wants the EPA involved in protecting waterways, while describing himself as a fiscal conservative and moderate. Public statements emphasize pragmatic, bipartisan approaches rather than specific aggressive climate policies.
Public Safety & Guns
Supports expanded gun-safety measures including universal background checks, required secure storage, criminal liability when firearms are used in crimes or suicides, and other gun-control policies such as red-flag–style interventions while framing these as responsibilities that accompany gun rights.
News
Steven Wendelin is in the news because of the Nebraska primary elections, which could affect the 2026 fight for Congress. The main focus is the competitive Omaha-area 2nd Congressional District, where results may help shape the broader midterm battle. The available information is limited and does not give more detail about Wendelin’s specific role or outcome.
Endorsements
Endorsers of Steven Wendelin for WV-02 Democratic nominee?
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 20262024
2026
LatestCycle 2024
Cycle 2026
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls