West Virginia Governor Jim Justice won the state’s Republican U.S. Senate primary election, with the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, positioning him as a key contender in the battle for the Senate majority. Justice, who switched party allegiance from Democrat to Republican in 2017, is a popular figure in West Virginia and promises to follow an “America-First agenda” in the Senate if elected. His victory over U.S. Representative Alex Mooney, who was also endorsed by Trump, signals a serious threat to Democrats in the race for the Senate seat currently held by moderate Democrat Joe Manchin, who is not seeking reelection.
Former President Trump celebrated Justice’s win on social media, lauding him for his victory in the primary election. While Trump’s endorsement is typically seen as influential in Republican races, recent examples like the defeat of Mehmet Oz in Pennsylvania and Herschel Walker in Georgia show that it does not guarantee success. Republican Larry Hogan, a vocal critic of Trump, also won his state’s GOP Senate primary, suggesting that the former president’s approval is not always necessary for Republican candidates to prevail. The outcome of West Virginia’s Democratic Senate primary was still undecided at the time of publication, with Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott leading in the polls.
Head-to-head polling prior to Manchin’s announcement of his retirement suggested that Justice held a significant lead over the Democratic incumbent senator, indicating a potential Republican victory in the state. With Manchin stepping down, Democrats face an even greater challenge in maintaining control of the Senate seat, as he was the only Democrat holding a major office in West Virginia. The state, which was once a Democratic stronghold, has shifted to become overwhelmingly Republican in recent years, complicating the party’s efforts to secure the seat in the upcoming election.
Trump’s support for Justice in the West Virginia Senate race underscores the former president’s continued influence in Republican politics, particularly in states where he remains popular among voters. Justice’s pledge to advance an “America-First agenda” aligns with Trump’s platform, appealing to conservative voters in the state. The high stakes of the Senate race, which could determine which party controls the upper chamber, highlight the importance of key endorsements and strategic campaigning in competitive elections. As the general election approaches, both parties will intensify their efforts to secure victory and gain a crucial foothold in the Senate.
