West Virginia Governor Jim Justice Explains Delay in Senate Candidacy

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice recently spoke about his decision to wait until January to leave office and join the U.S. Senate. This will briefly reduce the Republican Senate majority from three seats to two. Justice explained that it’s important to maintain stability in government, especially during transitions, and that he took the governor role to serve the people of West Virginia.

Justice doesn’t expect much change in Congress between January 3 and January 20, when President-elect Donald Trump takes office, but believes things will still happen in Charleston, West Virginia.

In West Virginia, the Senate leader assumes the role of lieutenant governor, so if Justice moves to the Senate, the current Senate President, Craig Blair, would temporarily take over. However, Blair lost his seat in April, and when the new legislature begins on January 8, Senator Randy Smith will take over as governor until Patrick Morrisey officially becomes governor on January 13.

Justice has been in constant communication with President Trump about various issues, including energy, and he believes the state doesn’t need multiple governors in such a short time. He made his decision after discussing it with both the House Speaker and Senate Majority Leader. Justice emphasized that everyone understands the complexity of the situation.

Senator Shelley Moore Capito, a Republican, expressed support for Justice’s decision and looks forward to working with him to advance Trump’s agenda.

Justice, originally a Democrat who switched parties in 2017 during a Trump rally, has helped transform West Virginia into a solidly Republican state. He expressed his strong support for Trump and his commitment to the people of West Virginia, saying it’s been an honor to serve as their governor.