Rio Phillips

Rio Phillips was born in Waynesboro, Virginia. He earned a high school diploma from the Pine View School for the Gifted and attended the University of Central Florida, Erie Community College, and Buffalo State College. Phillips' professional experience includes owning a media and marketing business, working as a Medicare insurance agent, and working in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence optimization.[1] He has also served as a community organizer.[2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Born and raised in Appalachia, in Waynesboro, VA, Rio Phillips is a community organizer, entrepreneur, and independent candidate for the U.S. Senate from Charleston, West Virginia with 25 years of grassroots activism.

Inspired by Bernie Sanders, he has organized hundreds of protests under both Democratic and Republican administrations on issues including endless war, financial corruption, police violence, and economic justice.

With professional experience in media, marketing, insurance and cybersecurity, Phillips entered politics after decades of organizing rather than serving in public office.

In the 2026 Democratic primary, he earned more than 10,000 votes statewide, won Mingo and Logan counties, and did so while spending only about $13,600.

His platform includes Medicare for All, Clean Water For Every West Virginian, legal cannabis and expanded industrial hemp, ending the forever war, standing up to the data (surveillance) center invasion, building a stable balanced energy grid, and pursuing accountability for individuals implicated in the Epstein files.

Following the primary, Phillips left the Democratic Party, registered with no party affiliation, and launched an official write-in campaign, seeking to build a broad statewide coalition to challenge incumbent Senator Shelley Moore Capito through grassroots organizing and working-class advocacy.

His name will be posted and available at every precinct across the state for the general election on November 3, 2026.

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?

1. Every West Virginian deserves consistent, quality healthcare as a human right.

The current system is designed to price working families out of quality care, and it is absolutely unacceptable.2. Every West Virginian deserves consistent access to quality, clean water.

The political and corporate class of West Virginian have remained inactive and silent for far too long, we are demanding action on this front.3. Legalize cannabis and unleash industrial hemp.

This is the most realistic jobs plan for West Virginia, it will expand our agricultural sector dramatically, as well provide thousands of jobs while retaining millions of dollars in sales tax revenue from being exported to our neighbors.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Constitutionality, and ensuring national leadership abides.

Peace, and ensuring national leadership commit to it.

Campaign finance, and ensuring billionaires can't continue buying our elections.

Rejecting AIPAC, and ensuring national leadership does the same.

Stopping data (surveillance) centers because they are an extraction industry built off the Ai bubble.

Insider stock trading, Rio does not own stocks, and has pledged not to purchase any while in office.

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

Senator Bernie Sanders

He is an Independent who works with both parties, he is a true diplomat, he works towards peace and human rights, he cares about the working family, and he has blazed an absolutely historic trail for us to follow the model of.

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

Consistency

Transparency

Honesty

Diplomacy

Listening

Communication

Compassionate

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

To deliver on a platform that serves everyone, from a statewide level, as well as federal and international. To reduce overall federal spending while building state sovereignty. To create thousands of jobs and defend worker's rights. To only use war as an absolute last resort, and a Congressionally-approved war no less! To work tirelessly defending prosperity and equality for everyone!

What legacy would you like to leave?

Public service isn't just for the rich and elite, it's for the everyday working family! Anything is possible if you believe in yourself! Focus on supporting those around you and expand out from there!

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

Busboy at a local golf club, for about two years.

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

Being a better more profitable businessman, activism and organizing has always loomed heavily over traditional business.

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

George H.W. Bush launching the first Iraq War, Rio was 10 years old at the time, he remembers being surprised that it only lasted a month.

Note: Phillips submitted the above survey responses to [the profile publisher] on June 18, 2026.

Show past responsesHide past responses

July 18 submission

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I go by the name Rio, so I’d want my [the profile publisher] listing to reflect my nickname not my legal one. I am a Progressive Working Class Democrat running for the U.S. Senate from West Virginia. I am running to lift this state out of poverty and pull the greedy fingers of billionaires off this state.

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?

Working Class People Need Working Class LeadersAny Incumbent That Can’t Hold A Town Hall Is Unworthy To Hold Office (Shelley Moore Capito)Restoration of the Rule of Law (Due Process, Habeas Corpus, etc)

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Inflating and securing social services for marginalized people, building a prosperous West Virginia for everyone, a competitive and inviting West Virginia

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

Bernie Sanders, for his commitment to working class liberal values, for his consistency on multiple subjects, from wealth inequality to Gaza, to billionaires and more.

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

The 13th Amendment actually legalized slavery through its Exception Clause, and is the basis for the Private Prison Industrial Complex, and until we pull out this exception clause, slavery is the legal system

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

Transparency, honesty, diplomacy, consistency, morality

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

Strong under fire, transparent, clean zero felony record, ability to communicate with marginalized communities, expansive vision for poor folk and even the unhoused, the ability to hold corruption’s feet to the fire

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

Listening, facing the people, being diplomatic and inclusive, caring about all constituents

What legacy would you like to leave?

One of service to the people, a legacy of being able to always look folks in the face and confidently lead with honesty and brutal truth sometimes if necessary, a legacy of radical transparency never seen before in Washington DC, a noncorporate legacy

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

First major historical event was being 11 and witnessing George Bush Sr go to war in Iraq for the first time!

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

Bussing at a golf club! At least a year!

What is your favorite book? Why?

“Secret Teachings of All Ages” Manly P Hall, because it is a vast tome of powerful knowledge

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

Robert Langdon from the Dan Brown book series

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

“We’re the Middle of a Hostile Government Takeover”

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

Poverty for sure! Three economic collapses in my adulthood have made success elusive! While I’ve tasted success at different times, it’s been quite difficult. I am truly working class!

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

Loss of jobs to AI, the push for undemocratic monarchy, the political polarization, the rich getting richer while poor gets poorer, the dwindling middle class

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Now! More! Congressional! Supreme Court!

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

Checks and balances on executive power! The ability to promote sweeping legislation that would help the entire nation.

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

No. In fact, we need working class people overcoming their fears and learning the skills required to lead. The old ways have failed.

What do you think of the filibuster?

Usually just grandstanding after all other forms of resistance to legislation have failed, but still an important component.

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

Bernie Sanders of course!

Tell us your favorite joke.

Trump is a Christian.

How would you evaluate a judicial nominee?

Integrity, objectivity, nonpolitical, transparency, consistency

What kind of relationships would you build with other senators?

Diplomatic, friendly, productive, active substantial relationships to accomplish serious tasks

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

One hundred percent it is

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

Release the Epstein files, shut down unconstitutional concentration camps

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

Morality, transparency, conflicts of interest are the most important criteria beyond all else

What committees interest you?

Budgetary, Intelligence

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

We need more and more! Audit the Pentagon! Audit the Fed! We need Constitutional enforcement for government officials! Term limits!

Campaign websitePhillips' campaign website stated the following:Executive SummaryI am running for the United States Senate to return our democracy to its rightful owners: we the people. I am running to lift West Virginia out of poverty, to see West Virginia be competitive, to see West Virginia flourish.For too long, our corrupt government has served the interests of a wealthy few, the architects of endless debt and endless war. Together, we are charting a new course, grounded in human rights, economic opportunity, accountability, and without any doubt whatsoever, liberty and justice for all. We are creating a future where every West Virginian and every American can thrive, where our families can succeed, where our domestic and foreign policies reflect our deepest values: Constitutional protection, human dignity, and service to others.NUMBERS DO NOT LIE!After 25 years in power, Shelley Moore Capito has left West Virginia at the bottom of the national rankings barrel!West Virginia is:47th in education47th in economy50th in infrastructureThese figures are absolutely unacceptable. Shelley has had ample opportunity to lift us off the bottom of this barrel. She has failed to do so. Workers who don’t do their job get fired.Its time for us people of West Virginia to come together and reclaim our legacy, our history, our working class values! The strength we have shown to the billionaire class before! Now is the time! Now is the moment! Working class people have everything it takes to lead! So let’s lead!Major Policy AreasWest Virginia SpecificNo roads left unfixed and dangerous, I will personally help ensure all roads are safe to drive onNo communities left unassisted after weather disasters or chemical pollution spillsZero sewage contamination allowed in public waterwaysExplicit support for coal workers, their health and their collective bargaining union rightsBroadband access must be extended into rural communities Recreational cannabis laws so taxation money can lift our rural communities out of poverty, and to make us competitive with our neighbors, no more regressive outdated policies that waste moneySeparation of church and state, no more religious messaging coming from governmentDramatic expansion of homeless empowerment services and mental health servicesCorporate tax incentive program to attract fresh industries and investmentsHome purchase assistance program to attract young families to stay in-stateConstitutional DefenseConsistent action in defense of Constitutional valuesPro-2A, strongly support legal, safe, responsible gun ownershipDue process is afforded to everyone on US soil, regardless of statusBirthright citizenship is a non-negotiableHabeas Corpus is a non-negotiableTo promote equality, government should keep religion separate, because this nation is founded upon this principleEconomic Justice & Working Families$20/hour minimum wage (just a start, should be adjusted to keep pace with inflation)Paid family and medical leaveUnion rights & collective bargainingCancel medical debt and student loansUnHoused Empowered Living Program (UHELP)Affordable housing accessibilityNo Wall Street behemoths should be buying up single family homesHealthcare for AllMedicare for AllLower prescription drug costsHold outlandish pharmaceutical profits accountableProtect rural hospitals, build moreExpand mental health care access dramaticallyTo promote unity, I do not use the phrase “Pro-Choice” as I like to use “Pro-Medical Freedom.” This means I want every American citizen to have complete control over what goes in and out of their own bodies, and no one can force them to do otherwise. Whatever issue you want this to apply to, so be it. Freedom for all is foremost! Politicians don’t belong in the doctor’s office!Peace First Foreign PolicyEnd endless wars, no more “War on Terror” Bush-era foreign policyBring troops home, no using American soldiers as corporate profit pawnsClose unnecessary military bases, repurpose materials to local communitiesAudit & cut bloated Pentagon spending, perform DOGE-style cutsPromote diplomacy, peace, and human rights everywhere, especially at the United Nations where the U.S. holds considerable powerDramatically expand veterans servicesWork to reduce veteran suicide epidemicHuman Rights for AllStand against global authoritarianism & discriminationMilitary open to every American willing to serveOppose mass surveillance & online censorshipPromote international cooperation on human rights & climate justiceEnd U.S. support for oppressive regimesMake DEI Constitutional and non-negotiableNo sweeping travel bansDue process for all people within our bordersHabeas Corpus is not to be touchedNo more masked, anonymous “federal agents”Hands off college campuses and endowmentsRoe v Wade made Constitutional once and for allJohn Lewis Bill made Constitutional once and for allSame sex marriage = Freedom = American liberty that veterans sacrificed forDemocracy & Anti-CorruptionBan corporate PAC donations & foreign lobbyingRestore every Congressionally mandated agency and institution illegally invaded and shut down by DOGECongressional term limits, no more career politiciansFull public campaign financingStrengthen voting rightsStop gerrymanderingEnsure government transparencyStrictly enforce conflict of interest lawsReinforce the anti-bribery gifting mechanisms of the Constitution (no giant planes!)Environmental StewardshipEnvironmental StewardshipSupport for coal workers, their health and unionsMassive investments into renewable energyProtect clean water and airHold corporate polluters accountableNo wholesale auction of our National Parks and ForestsCivil Liberties & Internet FreedomRepeal the Patriot Act and NDAAProtect whistleblowers and independent journalistsDefend encryption, privacy, and free speechOppose warrantless surveillanceSafeguard net neutralitySignature ProposalsPeace & Prosperity ActReduce military spending by 25% and reinvest in American students and universities, with an explicit focus on becoming educationally dominant once again, our schools being world-class and accessible for all Americans.No Kings ActConvicted felons cannot serve as President of the United States, and joking about being King, as President, should warrant immediate removal by force from public office. End political dynasties and restore government accountability.Human Rights First AgendaAlign all U.S. foreign policy with international human rights and peace-building. No more United Nations vetoes in support of genocide. The American ideal of being a light upon the hill can only be achieved this way. America is not first if everyone gets left behind. America can only be first by lifting everyone up out of suffering.Closing Vision StatementI seek only to serve the people.Of West Virginia. Of the United States of America. Of the world.We must end, once and for all, the politics of greed, failure, and corruption. We must build a democracy worthy of its name, an America where every human being lives with opportunity and dignity, where every peaceful dignified nation is treated with respect.Together, we are building that brighter future today.Together, we dream bigger and achieve more.Together, the impossible is possible.From the streets to the Senate!~Rio PhillipsProgressive Working Class Democratic Candidate for U.S. Senate, West Virginia— Rio Phillips' campaign website (May 8, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.