Gov. Jim Justice’s campaign for U.S. Senate pulled in just shy of a million dollars in contributions in the most recent federal reporting period, but the campaign still lags a primary rival, Congressman Alex Mooney, in terms of overall cash on hand.
Campaign finances translate into reach for candidates to spread their messages while trying to unseat incumbent Senator Joe Manchin, a Democrat who has about $10 million cash on hand to campaign.
Manchin hasn’t said yet if he’s running to defend the seat in a very narrowly-divided Senate. As West Virginia has trended more Republican, most national observers have rated the race as one Republicans could win. Manchin is scheduled to speak Monday at a New Hampshire town hall for No Labels, which is exploring a third-party ticket for president.
Manchin’s highest-profile Republican challengers for Senate are Justice and Mooney.
Justice’s latest report to the Federal Elections Commission showed $935,035 total receipts during the quarterly filing period that concluded June 30.
Justice, a Republican, reported $126,270 in campaign expenses. So that leaves his campaign with $808,765 cash on hand.
Beyond that, the report also showed campaign debt of $119,393, with the bulk to The Greenbrier — which Justice’s family owns — for facility rental, catering and audio visual services. Justice had his campaign kickoff event there in late April.
Justice was the subject of a June fundraiser in Washington, D.C., hosted by Senate GOP leaders including Mitch McConnell.
Justice, once described as the richest person in West Virginia, did not report providing funds for his own campaign and has said he doesn’t plan to self-fund.
Contributions to Justice came from a variety of sources, including his current governor’s office team: chief of staff Brian Abraham and deputy chief of staff Ann Urling, Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby, adviser Larry Pack and Nick Preservati, who was just chosen to lead the state’s Office of Energy.
More came from longtime associates like Byrd White, Elmer Coppoolse and Steve Ruby, who does legal work for Justice companies.
West Virginia political figures who donated to Justice included his 2016 rival for governor, Bill Cole; Jason Bostic and Chris Hamilton from the West Virginia Coal Association; pollster Mark Blankenship, political adviser Greg Thomas and former state GOP chairman Conrad Lucas.
A high percentage of Justice’s contributions — 230 of the 523 total — were listed as coming on the very last day of the reporting period, June 30.
“Governor Justice has received tremendous support from West Virginians and those who have confidence in his leadership and conservative record of achievements in West Virginia,” stated Roman Stauffer, campaign manager for Justice.
“In only 64 days, with no prior federal fundraising experience, Governor Justice raised nearly $1 million, and continues to be the strongest Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in West Virginia.”
Mooney, a Republican who announced his campaign for Senate last November, reported taking in $411,192 during the financial period.
The congressman’s longer participation in federal election competition means he has more money on hand, $1.536 million.
“Make no mistake, Joe Biden and Senate Democrats will spend millions trying to save Joe Manchin’s career. However, the strong support from voters across West Virginia will help proven conservative Alex X. Mooney defeat both Liberal Jim Justice and his ally Manchin in 2024,” said Mooney’s Campaign Manager, John Findlay.
Mooney’s campaign also noted the anticipated support from the hardline Club for Growth Action and Protect Freedom political action committees, which raised millions of dollars during the period. Club for Growth Action has reported spending thousands of dollars against Justice early in the campaign, including $300,000 in early June for online advertisements.
Mooney’s contributions during the period were from all over the place including West Virginia and Maryland, where years ago he was a senator and state party chairman.
Another candidate in the Republican primary, Monongalia County resident Chris Rose, reported taking in $7,663 during the period. His campaign has $4,477 on hand.
“When you’re going up against that much name recognition and that much money, there’s only one way to compete against that,” Rose said on MetroNews’ “Talkline” last week, “and that’s old-school campaigning, boots on the ground, having a strong network of volunteers.”