On Wednesday, former President Donald Trump strongly endorsed Governor Jim Justice of West Virginia in the upcoming 2024 U.S. Senate race. Trump expressed his enthusiastic support for Justice, emphasizing his affection for West Virginia and highlighting his qualities in a post on Truth Social.
In his post, Trump stated, “Big Jim Justice, the Governor of the Great State of West Virginia [I love West Virginia!], is a larger-than-life figure known for his tremendous heart! He stands firmly on key issues such as border security, our esteemed military and veterans, the promotion of clean coal and energy dominance, economic growth, combatting inflation, and safeguarding our Second Amendment rights. Big Jim has my unwavering and complete endorsement. He will not disappoint you!”
A recent Emerson College poll on Friday indicated that Justice holds a 13-point lead (41 percent to 28 percent) over the Democratic incumbent Senator, Joe Manchin. The poll also showed that 15 percent of respondents intended to vote for other candidates, while 16% remained undecided.
During a gathering at one of his upscale resorts in White Sulfur Springs, West Virginia, Governor Justice officially announced his candidacy for the Senate seat on his 72nd birthday, April 27. He received a standing ovation as he vowed, “I solemnly promise you, with God as my witness, that I will fulfill this role and make you proud.”
In a previous endorsement, Governor Justice supported Donald Trump for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, praising Trump’s achievements and dedication to issues important to West Virginia. Justice emphasized the former president’s accomplishments in securing the nation’s southern border, fostering a robust economy, and championing West Virginia’s coal, gas, and oil industries for American energy independence.
Justice further reinforced his support for Trump’s leadership in a separate post, sharply contrasting the current administration under President Joe Biden. He expressed his confidence in Trump’s potential as the Republican nominee for the 2024 presidential election and his prospects for re-election.
The Senate seat held by Joe Manchin is widely considered one of the most vulnerable for Democrats in the 2024 election, in part due to West Virginia’s strong support for Trump. Trump secured a substantial victory in the state in the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections, winning 68.5 percent and 68.6 percent of the vote, respectively.
