West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice won the state’s Senate Republican primary Tuesday night, boosting Republicans’ already high hopes of flipping a key seat.
Justice had been considered the favorite to win since entering the race last year.
He defeated a crowded primary race that included Representative Alex Mooney (Republican). Justice’s main opponent in Virginia, a member of the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus.
Mooney has consistently sought to portray Justice as a “RINO,” or “Republican in Name Only.” But Mr. Justice’s popularity in the state and his shift to the right appears to have been enough to overwhelm attacks on his credibility within the Republican Party.
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West Virginia Governor Jim Justice easily won the Republican primary for the state’s vacant Senate seat. (Getty Images)
Justice, a former Democrat, announced on stage during a rally with former President Trump in 2017 that he was switching party affiliations.
In October, President Trump announced his support for Justice on Truth Social, saying, “West Virginia Governor Big Jim Justice (I love West Virginia!) is great in every way, but especially great in his great heart!” did. Strong on our borders, defending our great military and veterans, clean coal and energy, the economy, stopping inflation, and defending the Second Amendment, Big Jim will be a great United States senator. , and I absolutely support him. let you down! ! ! “
The Senate candidate can be seen on camera shouting at reporters.
The judge announced during a Trump rally in 2017 that he would change his party affiliation from Democrat to Republican. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)
The former president won West Virginia by about 40 points in the 2020 presidential election.
Mr. Justice’s victory Tuesday night also gives Republicans a good chance of winning the state Senate seat in November, especially thanks to Sen. Joe Manchin’s decision not to seek reelection.
Virginia Manchin, a moderate Democrat who has fended off past challenges in the increasingly red state, has announced that his current Senate term will end in November 2023.
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Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin’s retirement eases the path to victory in the November trial. (Getty Images)
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In response to Manchin’s announcement, the judge said, “While Sen. Joe Manchin and I have not always seen eye-to-eye on policy and politics, we are both lifelong West Virginians and believers.” I love this state more than ever, and I respect and appreciate Mr. Manchin’s accomplishments over the years.” public service. “
Mooney was backed by the conservative group Club for Growth. In addition to Trump, Justice’s supporters include the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), the campaign arm of Senate Republicans, and ties to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). An outside group, the Senate Leadership Fund, was also included.
