Evan Jenkins loses Senate primary race

Congressman Evan Jenkins came up short in his bid to become the candidate to try to defeat Senator Joe Manchin in the fall.

Jenkins was gracious in defeat as he made his concession speech just after 10 p.m. at his election night watch party at the Holiday Inn in Barboursville.

He thanked his supporters for their work throughout the campaign.

Jenkins congratulated Attorney General Patrick Morrisey and said he will support him in the general election.

"This was always about a mission," Jenkins said during his speech. "This was not about me. The mission was to try to bring a much needed Republican vote to the United States Senate."

Jenkins said he believes outside money from the Democratic party did play a factor in this race.

"We really ran a hard race, but the voters had an opportunity to speak," Jenkins told WSAZ. "That's what's great about our democracy. It's always mixed feelings, but the bottom line is we gave it our all, and we are excited about the future, whatever that holds, and we're excited about the future of West Virginia."

As far as what the future might entail, Jenkins said for now he's focused on finishing out his term in Congress, which will end in January.