the 2008 west virginia democratic primary took place on may 13, 2008 with polls closing at 7:30 p.m. est. it was open to democrats and independents. the primary determined 28 delegates to the 2008 democratic national convention, who were awarded on a proportional basis. west virginia's democratic delegation also included 11 unpledged "superdelegates". the primary came late in the nomination race. hillary clinton won by a very wide margin, but her opponent barack obama maintained a substantial lead in the overall number of pledged delegate votes.