In a significant endorsement, former two-term West Virginia Governor, Jim Justice, has joined the ranks of prominent Republican lawmakers backing former President Donald Trump for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.
Announcing his endorsement on Twitter, the 72-year-old Justice, term-limited as Governor and seeking the state’s GOP senate nomination to face Democrat Joe Manchin in 2024 potentially, proudly declared his support for President Donald J. Trump.
Justice highlighted Trump’s achievements, including securing the Southern Border, fostering a robust and thriving economy, and providing staunch support for West Virginia’s coal, gas, and oil industries to achieve American energy independence.
Emphasizing West Virginia as Trump country, the endorsement underscored the state’s strong backing for the former President, as evidenced by Trump’s commanding victory with 68.5 percent of the vote in 2016 and 68.6 percent in 2020.
Many political observers view Joe Manchin’s Senate seat as the most vulnerable for Democrats in the upcoming election due to West Virginia’s firm support for Trump. Comparing Trump’s leadership and accomplishments favorably with the present administration, Justice expressed confidence in Trump’s potential as the Republican nominee and eventual re-election as President.
Governor Jim Justice enjoys immense popularity in West Virginia, a sentiment that remains unwavering as he pursues Manchin’s Senate seat. A recent poll indicated Justice’s significant lead of 22 points over Manchin (54 percent to 32 percent) in a hypothetical matchup.
Justice’s job approval rating stands at 57 percent, further solidifying his standing with the state’s voters, while Manchin trails with an approval rating of 33 percent. As Manchin contemplates his future political endeavors, reports suggest he may consider running for President as a third-party candidate. However, he has not officially declared his intention to seek a third full term in the Senate.
In the upcoming 2024 elections, there are a total of 33 regularly scheduled contested seats. Out of these, Republicans currently hold ten seats, Democrats have 20 seats, and three seats are held by independents who align with the Democratic caucus.
Additionally, there is one special election scheduled for November 5, 2024. This special election aims to fill the remaining two years of the six-year term initially won by Ben Sasse (R) in 2020.
Following the November 5, 2024, elections, those who emerge victorious in the 33 regular elections will begin their respective six-year terms on January 3, 2025.
