Charleston, WV – While the 2022 primary election is more than six months away, U.S. Rep. David McKinley, R-W.Va., has a 15-point advantage over Rep. Alex Mooney, R-W.Va., in the race for the new 2nd Congressional District, according to one poll.

GOPAC, a Republican organization focused on helping GOP candidates win elections, released findings last week showing McKinley leading Mooney 44% to 29% with 18% of respondents undecided.

The West Virginia Legislature approved the state’s congressional map earlier this month, which reflects a change in population with the elimination of one of West Virginia’s three current districts. McKinley and Mooney previously announced their campaigns to represent the new 2nd Congressional District, which includes West Virginia’s northern counties.

The organization surveyed 400 likely Republican primary voters who reside in the new 2nd Congressional District. The poll was conducted from Oct. 23 to Oct. 26 and has a 4.9% margin of error.

GOPAC Chairman David Avella said last week on “MetroNews Talkline” that McKinley starts with an advantage because most of the 2nd Congressional District includes the current 1st District.

“65% of the new district in his old district, and Congressman Mooney is looking at 35% of his old district being in the new district,” he said. “If you’re looking at this race, Congressman McKinley — who is sitting at 44% — certainly has a shorter path to 50 [percent] here half a year out.”

McKinley also has an advantage with conservatives and frequent voters; GOPAC reports 44% of self-identified conservatives support McKinley compared to 30% for Mooney, and McKinley leads Mooney 44% to 34% among frequent Republican primary voters.

McKinley also has a more favorable image; 48% of respondents have a favorable image of McKinley compared to 36% for Mooney.

“Six months is a long time, and a lot can happen,” Avella said. “Certainly, McKinley starts with a good lead.”

The primary election will take place May 10, 2022. Rep. Carol Miller, R-W.Va., has also announced she will seek another congressional term. Miller is campaigning to represent the 1st Congressional District, which includes the southern half of West Virginia.

This story was originally published in Metro News.