Skip to content
West Virginia ballot
Photo of Bryan McKinney

Bryan McKinney

RepublicanFirst-time candidate

Sales consultant

Bryan McKinney is a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate West Virginia in the 2026 election. This is their first run for office.

From the candidate’s public filings

Background

Bryan McKinney was born in State College, Pennsylvania. He graduated from State College Area High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from Pennsylvania State University in 2005. His career experience includes working in sales. He has been affiliated with Trail Life USA.[1][2]

Bachelor's:
The Pennsylvania State University, 2005
High school:
State College Area High School

Campaign money

Raised
$0
From individuals
$0
From PACs & party
$0
Own money
—

FEC filings.

View on FEC.gov(opens in new tab)

In their own words

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a husband and father of 7 children. I am your American ONLY candidate, not America first as many claim to be. America is the last best hope for all mankind. Many republicans, including several running for this office are not for our freedom or liberty. They only want power, leadership positions, and access to the political elite party in DC. I believe we owe nothing to the rest of the world and need to focus and ensure our freedoms and liberty ONLY and always. Our government has become our number one threat. I have always worked in the private sector. I am 45. Christian. As many other Americans I work two jobs to support my family. I work in the fields of athletics and robotics. I paint hundreds of athletic fields each year and I sell athletic field paint and painting equipment. I have worked in this market for the last decade.

In my free time I enjoy spending time with my children and volunteering with scouts. My hobbies include photography, shooting, kayaking, hiking, golf, and reading about American history.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

To ensure our country's future we need to deport all Muslims to Islamic countries. Islam is not compatible with freedom or liberty. We need term limits to stop anyone from holding office more than 1 term. We also need to cut off the money for corruption by ending all federal taxes including the income tax and inheritance taxes. Government has stolen so much from us including much of our liberty. We The People need to take it back. Some Republicans running for this office are just as bad as some have spend billions already as West Virginia elected officials and now want to continue this extortion and theft as your next US Senator. We need better candidates. I am willing to fight to end this corruption and fight for us, We The People.Our second Amendment rights need to be restored. All laws at the state level and federal level restricting gun ownership need to be abolished. We need to have national conceal to carry. We need to ban all gun owner databases. No permits to own guns. We need to ban martial law from ever being forced on us. We need to hold drug companies financially and legally accountable for all drug injuries and death they cause. We need to end the military draft. We need to ban ALL Muslims from holding any office in the USA. We need to ban mail in voting and require showing ID when voting in person. No more absentee voting. We need to ban ALL spying on US citizens email, phone calls, and other communication. Make facial recognition illegal in the USA.We need to end the Federal Reserve, end the IRS, end the ATF. We need to band foreign countries and citizens from owning any US land or farms and take back any currently owned. We need to go back to the gold standard. We need to ban all payments by the federal government to private or non-profit companies and all other countries. We need to get out of the United Nations. We need to deport ALL illegal aliens. We need to ban any and all weather manipulation by water, air, or any other means. We need a ban on Federal IDs including any form of Digital ID or REAL ID. We also need age limits for federal office, I support using 60 as the oldest age to serve. I would also remove and stop all retirement payments to former congressmen and senators.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Ending taxes on the American people. Ending our forever wars in other countries. Allowing every American to have medical freedom so that they are never required any drug/vaccine to hold a job or send their children to school. We need a serious national border that is supported by our military. We need to force banks to stop charging high interest rates and require only simple interest not compound interest for all loans. Gun rights.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

George Washington. Here is a man that sacrificed greatness for the smallest hope of freedom and liberty that no king could ever grant.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

What I look for in someone worthy to hold office in our country is whether or not they have a deep love of freedom and liberty. I want to see that person speak up and often about the treats to freedom that government creates in our lives. I want to hear that person talk about the slavery created by taxes and I want to see them fighting to end taxation of us, We The People. I want to see someone who doesn't seek leadership or fame or power or a career. I want someone who has a hatred of corruption in their heart. I want someone who is sicked by the idea of a balanced budget - for government needs no budget as it needs none of our money. I want someone who doesn't talk about wanting to be a leader in that position. I want someone who talks about terms limits and will not support any laws or legislation that spends one penny of our hard earned money. I want someone who despises the never ending wars our corrupt government keeps spending trillions of dollars on. I want someone who is America ONLY not America First! I want someone who understands that government is never supposed to take care of anyone as it is incapable of doing so. I want someone who is honest about what government can only do - steal from the people and kill or enslave as that what history has shown all across mankind's history. Government provides no real jobs and I want someone to be honest about that. I want someone who loves our Constitution and who would rather die that defile that great document. I want someone who doesn't look at their office as part of a team fighting against the other team but rather as their position as a duty to secure and defend our liberty. I want the opposite of what I see in congress.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To serve one term. Not to spend our money but rather debate the issues of the day with other senators. I want someone who will say no to all un-Constitutional spending. I want someone who will have town hall meetings with us, We the People often.

What legacy would you like to leave?

That I helped bring back our lost freedoms and ended the slavery of taxation in America.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The Challenger Explosion and Boris Yeltsin on the tank after communism fell in Russia. I was very young.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Worked in a local restaurant for several years after high school into college.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I really enjoyed Tom Clancy novels. They were so thrilling to read and were so supportive of America and freedom.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Santa Claus

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Public speaking

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Illegal immigration and the Muslim invasion that has begun across our country.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

1 term only. Enough of all the so called conservatives and republicans (by the way those terms mean nothing anymore because so many pretend to be this but will serve a career in congress if not voted out). 2 terms is even too long for anyone to hold federal office. It is so much time to become corrupt and bought by lobbyists and special interest criminals.

What qualities does the U.S. Senate possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Originally when the Senators were appointed by the State's as it should still be, the Senate was much more accountable to the people. This has been lost and now is a popularity match between elite powerful people who stay in office forever. Now the US Senate serves as a prime example of corruption and greed to the American people and what not to be in their personal lives.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for senators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Just the opposite. Look at our current Senator- career politician who has spent billions while in West Virginia and trillions as a US Senator. We have a WV state senator who has spent billions in the WV senate and is part of the leadership which means the most corrupt in our state. When people I meet talk to me about these corrupt people with such colorful language I know they are bad for our freedom and not who we need in the US Senate. I'd honestly have you, the reader, running but I can't ask of you what I am not willing to do myself.

What do you think of the filibuster?

It needs to remain. The founders gave it to us for darn good reasons.

Is there a particular senator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

None. I want to be my own person. I could spend hours looking up names to please you the reader but I don't think senators need to have these great legacies. In fact that today would be mostly because of how corrupt and criminal they were.

How would you evaluate a judicial nominee?

How long have they been a judge, can they explain their job to me in 20 seconds. As long as they follow the rule of law and not emotions or international law they would be qualified.

What kind of relationships would you build with other senators?

This is not a team sport. If people don't like me I'm ok with that. I'm not running to make friends or build coalitions. I am running for us, We The People. If people agree with what I stand for then we can work together. Anyone who is against liberty and freedom and part of the status corrupt quo will be against me.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Sometimes but I would never vote to spend a penny of our dollars that increased or created taxes.

How should the U.S. Senate use its investigative powers?

As little as possible. We don't need to spend money for witch hunts.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

The Council on American Exceptionalism in 2024

What criteria would you apply when deciding whether to confirm presidential appointees to their Cabinet?

It is the president's choice on who they appoint. We need to make sure they are a legal American and can read and write. Elections have consequences. It is not up to the Senate to decide if we like those appointees just if they can perform normal human functions.

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

Met many mother's of vaccine injured children when I ran the first time. I also met many veterans who were thrown out like trash by our government and not taken care of.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

Being a father.

What role should the United States government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence?

Zero, government should have almost nothing to do with the free marketplace.

What legislation would you enact related to election administration in the United States?

Force only paper ballots with an ID and outlaw absentee voting.

Campaign websiteMcKinney's campaign website stated the following:​If elected I WILL visit every county in West Virginia each year of the 6 years I will serve. I WILL hold town hall meetings in each county in a time and place that suits working folks and those familiesI will FIGHT against Data Centers and work to not only place a moratorium on the future construction of these horrific facilities but also seek to dismantle each and every one and replace with wildlife preserves or back to the farm land that was stolen from us to make billionaires into trillionaires. I will FIGHT to Bring back the penny! This is a giant push towards mandated government controlled central bank digital currency. ​​I will FIGHT to BAN the federal government and the states from imposing any restricts on the Second Amendment. We need to get rid of all current restrictions on gun ownership.I will FIGHT to BAN any federal or state gun owner database including: types and amounts of firearms owned. I will FIGHT to BAN the federal government and the states from requiring any type of permit to own firearms. I will FIGHT for national open and concealed firearm carry. It needs to be legal to transport our weapons between the states without issue. I will fight to BAN the federal government from ever instituting martial law on the citizens of the United States. This means never shutting down anything again for any reason, including disease, natural disaster, war, or any other excuse.​I will fight to BAN all pharmaceutical/drug companies from legal and financial protections. These companies MUST be held accountable for any damages or deaths their products cause. This includes all medicines, all medical devices, and all vaccines.​​I will fight to BAN the federal government from enacting any tax on the American people ever again. I want a repeal of all federal taxes on the American people. Let the government be funded by tariffs and fees only. This was the America your grandparents were born into and your great grand parents lived in, if it can't be paid for it isn't important and we can live without.​​I will fight to END the mandatory military draft in the United States. Our military is a pawn of the political elite and no longer is a freedom fighting force and is rather a nation building organization that has no accountability. I would audit the Pentagon and all military spending every year. ​​​​I will fight to BAN any American from holding more than one term in federal office. I will fight to limit US Supreme Court judges to a one 5-year term.​I will fight to BAN the federal government from recording phone calls, emails, letters, and any other communication of United States citizens. The horrible parts of the Patriot Act MUST be repealed! I will FIGHT to BAN mail-in voting. Americans MUST vote by paper ballot. All citizens must provide photo identification to vote in the United States. Military personnel can vote at bases or US Embassy's. No absentee voting. Anyone not able to be at their polling place on election day can vote in person with an ID at their local courthouse or police department before the election. ​I will FIGHT to BAN taxes on any property purchased or owned by citizens of these United States. This includes land, housing, vehicles, boats, planes, RV's, guns, food, clothing, stocks, bonds, sales of goods, and any asset that is tangible or digital that allows ownership.​I will FIGHT to END the Federal Reserve and the IRS. No need for these military forces if we don't have to pay taxes. I support ICE and the border patrol. ​​I will FIGHT to END the ATF. Alcohol, tobacco, and firearms are already legal. If I want to make my own alcohol, tobacco products, or firearms there should be no taxation or regulation. I am an American and I need no babysitting or permission from any type of government to be free. ​I want to get America out of all international organizations including NATO, the United Nations, the World Economic Forum, etc.​​​I will FIGHT to BAN the use of facial recognition software and cameras by any government agency anywhere inside the United States. I will FIGHT to BAN qualified immunity protections that protect law enforcement. Every citizen must be under the same rules of law. All law enforcement MUST wear cameras with audio during their work hours and those devices must not be allowed to be turned off or muted. The material from these cameras must be uploaded live to the cloud and internet that is accessible by the public immediately without delay. This is to ensure American citizen's from having their rights violated. No knock warrants/swatting must be made illegal. Law enforcement should not have the power to order citizens out of their vehicles during routine traffic stops without a warrant. ​I will FIGHT to BAN the ownership of any American land by any individual, country, or corporation outside of the united states. Only Americans can own American land. This includes any trust or any other legal entities that may protect the identity of individuals. All land owned by foreign entities, countries, or individuals is to be immediately seized.​I will FIGHT to BAN the use of Eminent domain by federal and state government. ​I will FIGHT to RESTORE the gold standard for American currency. I will FIGHT to BAN the federal government from any regulation of crypto currency trading. ​I will FIGHT to BAN all payments/investments from the federal government to any private company or industry. This includes any subsidy or other transfer of money to the private or non-profit sector. I will FIGHT to BAN federal funding of Universities, colleges, and other educational institutions. Let businesses invest in education not our money. I will FIGHT to RESTORE school loans to the private sector and away from the federal government!I will FIGHT to BAN federal money given to environmental causes or any energy companies.​I will FIGHT to BAN any type of cloud seeding or weather/atmospheric manipulation by airplane or any other source. No dispersal ever of a scientific or medical technology by aerosol or airplane into food or water sources. I will FIGHT to BAN incentives/bonuses for child protective agents from taking children away from their families. All temporary or permanent relocation of children must be first approved by a three-judge panel. I will FIGHT to make into law that no American shall hold federal office past the age of 60. Only naturally born US citizens may hold federal office. If their term of office is still current at their 60th birthday they will be immediately resigned under law. There will be no grandfathering in of current members of the US Congress. ​I will FIGHT to make into law that no medical professional may receive payment of any kind from any organization that creates or sells or recommends medication, medical devices, or vaccines.​I will FIGHT to BAN Federal ID including Digital ID. State IDs and drivers licenses shall be sufficient to travel anywhere including federal buildings. A passport is only required for travel outside the United States, Canada, or Mexico.​I will FIGHT to BAN the estate tax upon death of US citizens.​I will FIGHT to make into law the freedom of all US farmers to put their farm into a forever farm status for free. Any forever farm may never be turned into housing or anything other than farmland to feed the American people.​I will FIGHT to BAN solar farms and wind farms from being built on farm land. This is poisoning our land, water, animals, and air.— Bryan McKinney's campaign website (May 8, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I work in the private sector with automated robotics. I am a father of 6, pro-life, conservative, supportive of gun rights, term limits, and limiting government power and spending.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Constitutional amendment for term limits to federal officeReplacement of the 16th Amendment (income tax) with a 3% federal sales tax on only new purchases.Pro-life father of 6, supporter of the 2nd Amendment

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Limiting the size and function of the federal government to only what is specifically written in the Constitution. Making sure law abiding citizens have no barriers to owning fire arms. Having a national discussion on whether or not to leave the United Nations. School reform including school choice and focusing on education of American history to our children. Forcing term limits on federal elected officials.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I think a lot about the framers and founders of our country more than anyone else in history. I think of their sacrifice and how hard each day must have been. I often think of George Washington sitting around the fire praying to God that He would give them one more day to keep fighting the British. I think a lot about the cold and tired soldier during the Revolutionary War. I think of Hamilton and Jefferson and Ben Franklin looking out the window in Philadelphia wondering if all this was really worth it and if the British would burst in at any moment and hang me the next day. I think of the wives of these patriots wondering if everything they had would be destroyed by the British.

I would like to follow Washington's term limits for office. Our freedom is not so precious that it is dependent on any one person to serve their entire life in office. Freedom needs no king.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I would recommend that someone go the Prager University's website and watch their videos to understand what kind of person I am.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honor, integrity, honesty,

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am a good communicator. I am an honest and hardworking individual.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To be a voice for their state in Washington DC. To keep government from infringing upon our liberties and only allowing government to exist as the founders intended. To cut wasteful government spending.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to see federal term limits passed. I would also like to see the income tax abolished.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I clearly remember Boris Yeltsin on top of a tank on television showing the fall of communism in Russia. I also remember seeing video of the fall of the Berlin Wall. I was 9 when the wall fell and 11 when communism crashed in Russia.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I was a server and greeter at a small local restaurant in my home town. I worked there for most of college so about 4-5 years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Anything by Tom Clancy. He had a great way of taking you into the story rather than reading it as an observer.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Samwise Gamgee

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Rich Men North of Richmond.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Finding enough time to exercise!

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Dealing with over taxation, illegal immigration, over regulation that hurts business. Free and fair elections.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I believe at most two terms to the US Senate is enough. I may support the limit of 1 elected term to the US Senate if given the opportunity to vote for that.

What qualities does the U.S. Senate possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The given duty to advise and consent on appointments from the President. The ability to represent the will of the people.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for senators to have previous experience in government or politics?

No. In fact it may hurt them.

What do you think of the filibuster?

It is a great tool to help keep government over reach from hurting individual freedom.

Is there a particular senator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Rand Paul

Tell us your favorite joke.

How would you evaluate a judicial nominee?

How does that nominee view the Constitution and function of government.

What kind of relationships would you build with other senators?

Find other senators who believe in limited government and term limits. I would also seek to work with senators who would only support spending money on what is in the Constitution.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes, to a point. There is too much emphasis on bi-partisanship which today means conservatives need to be the only ones that compromise on an issue.

How should the U.S. Senate use its investigative powers?

Only to focus on government abuse of spending and over reach. Not to investigate crimes of individuals. It should also oversee that states do not infringe upon the Bill of Rights.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

In progress

On the 2026 ballot

Links

Compiled from the candidate’s published profile as of September 30, 2026 and FEC filings.

Source(opens in new tab)