The 1978 United States Senate election in West Virginia took place on November 7, 1978. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Jennings Randolph was re-elected to fourth term in office, narrowly defeating Republican Arch Moore, a former Governor. Despite his defeat, Moore's daughter, Shelley Moore Capito, would later win election to this seat in 2014, becoming the first female Senator from the state. Democratic primary Candidates Jennings Randolph, incumbent U.S. Senator Sharon Rogers Results Republican primary Candidates Donald G. Michels Arch Moore, former Governor of West Virginia Results General election Results See also 1978 United States Senate elections References West Virginia 1978 1978 West Virginia elections