Republican Jim Justice will replace outgoing Senator Joe Manchin in West Virginia
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice is set to become the state's next U.S. senator, defeating Democrat Glenn Elliott in Tuesday's general election.
Since 2010, Independent Joe Manchin has held the seat. A former Democrat, Manchin frequently 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 win is a crucial 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 capitalizes on his home state legacy
Jim Justice, a businessman who founded Bluestone Farms in 1977, has built the operation into the leading grain producer on the East Coast. With a net worth exceeding $500 million, he ranks among West Virginia's wealthiest residents.
In 2015, Justice launched his campaign for governor. Initially registered as a Republican, he ran as a Democrat and defeated Republican nominee Bill Cole. However, just seven months after taking office, Justice switched back to the Republican Party, announcing his decision at a rally with then-President Donald Trump in West Virginia.
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 healthcare, restoring women's reproductive rights, and enhancing childcare and workforce development.
Jeremy Yurow is a politics reporting fellow based in Hawaii for the Paste BN Network. You can reach him at JYurow@gannett.com or on X, formerly Twitter @JeremyYurow