Republicans won control of every congressional district in West Virginia for the first time since the 61st Congress ended in 1911.

For the Republicans, State Senator Evan Jenkins, who switched parties in July 2013, ran for the seat against Rahall.

[34] State Senator Bill Cole, who had considered a run for the seat himself, was Jenkins' campaign chairman.

[40] As of September 18, 2014, the race was rated a "toss up" by both University of Virginia political professor Larry Sabato, of Sabato's Crystal Ball, and Stu Rothenberg of the Rothenberg Political Report.

"[42][43] A Fox News op-ed opined in October that Jenkins "offers Republicans the most credible nominee the party has had since the mid-'90s.