Justice mulls primary challenge to Morrisey for West Virginia governor
West Virginia Senator Jim Justice announced he is considering a run for governor in 2028, potentially challenging incumbent Patrick Morrisey in the Republican primary. Justice, who previously served two terms as governor, said he would make a decision quickly. He had not endorsed Morrisey in the 2024 primary.
Justice, who turns 75 this year, left the governor's office in January 2025 after two terms and won his Senate seat by a wide margin over Democrat Glenn Elliott. His party switch to Republican occurred at a 2017 rally with President Trump, following his decision not to endorse Hillary Clinton in the 2016 race.
The friction between Justice and Morrisey escalated publicly last week over the sale of Justice's controlling stake in the Greenbrier resort. Morrisey publicly questioned Justice's financial stewardship of the property, while Justice accused his successor of attacking job creators. Justice notably backed Moore Capito, now U.S. Attorney and son of Senator Shelley Moore Capito, over Morrisey in the 2024 gubernatorial primary.
A primary challenge from Justice could sharply divide West Virginia Republicans, pitting a popular former governor with deep business ties against the sitting incumbent. The outcome may shape the state's political trajectory for years, influencing how GOP factions align ahead of 2028. Voters could face competing visions of economic leadership, with Justice emphasizing job creation and Morrisey casting himself as a fiscal steward. The race may also test the enduring influence of Trump-aligned figures in state politics.