MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Months of speculation regarding Governor Jim Justice running for the United States Senate may soon come to an end.
During a guest appearance Tuesday on WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” the governor indicated he has decided his political future.
“I’ve pretty well made a decision on what I’m going to do and I’ll announce that very soon,” Justice said.
“It’s imminent that we’re going to make an announcement very soon and out of respect for my family and everything, it’s only right that we keep that decision to ourselves.”
Listen to “Talk of the Town | April 4, 2023” on Spreaker.
Justice has been considering a run for the seat currently occupied by Democrat Joe Manchin for several months and recent polling data suggests Gov. Justice would be a formidable candidate.
Most recently, a poll conducted by National Public Affairs found Justice with a sizable advantage over Second District Congressman Alex Mooney, who is seeking the Republican Senate nomination. The poll of 360 likely voters found Justice would receive 55 percent of the vote and Mooney 21 percent of the vote in a potential head-to-head match-up.
Justice is certainly aware of the recent polling data, citing his favorable rating during the interview.
“It came back with 77 percent favorability and 17 percent unfavorable, the only thing I’d say is what’s wrong with those 17 percent of people?” quipped Justice.
Not only, does polling indicate that Justice could win the nomination, but there is also data to suggest Justice could unseat the incumbent Manchin.
In February, a Republican poll conducted by the Terrance Group showed Justice ahead of Manchin 52-42. The poll was commissioned by the Senate Leadership Fund, a super PAC aligned with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has been lobbying Justice to run.
“It’s really important that you have everyone with you. I’ve said it before, I run on others’ energy,” Justice said.
Decisions by Justice and Manchin are the last two major announcements still to be made.
On Tuesday, West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey announced his bid for the Republican gubernatorial nomination.
Manchin most recently said he has not made up his mind about what he will do in 2024.