West Virginia Governor Jim Justice is set to replace Joe Manchin in the US Senate

On November 6, 2024By Littum

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice is set to become the state’s next U.S. senator, defeating the Democrat Glenn Elliott at Tuesday’s general election.

Since 2010, Independent Joe Manchin has held the seat. A former Democrat, Manchin often defied his party leadership while remaining at odds with former President Donald Trump. However, Manchin announced in November 2023 that he would not seek a third term.

Justice’s victory is a defining moment for the Republican Party as it aims to regain control of the Senate. West Virginia has shifted sharply to the right over the past two decades, making it a must-win for Republican strategists.

Justice takes advantage of his home state heritage

Jim Justice, a businessman who founded Bluestone Farms in 1977, has built the company into the leading grain producer on the East Coast. With a net worth of over $500 million, he ranks among West Virginia’s wealthiest residents.

In 2015, Justice launched his campaign for governor. Originally registered as a Republican, he ran as a Democrat and defeated Republican candidate Bill Cole. But just seven months after joining, Justice switched back to the Republican Partyannouncing his decision at a meeting with then-President Donald Trump in West Virginia.

Watch: Babydog and Gov. Jim Justice’s full speech

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice and his dog, Babydog, gave a speech at the 2024 Republican National Convention.

During his tenure, Justice has highlighted several achievements, including a state budget surplus and the Roads to Prosperity program aimed at improving infrastructure. His administration has also prioritized tax cuts and Second Amendment rights.

Glenn Elliott, an attorney and former mayor of Wheeling, West Virginia, served as a legislative assistant to the late West Virginia Senator Robert C. Byrd. Elliott’s campaign focused on key issues such as health care, restoring women’s reproductive rights, and improving child care and workforce development.

Jeremy Yurow is a political reporting fellow based in Hawaii for the USA TODAY Network. You can reach him at [email protected] or at X, formerly Twitter @JeremyYurow