While the focus is on the results of the 2026 midterm elections, there is already another election looming.
Governor Patrick Morrisey is less than two years into his first term and now, the man he succeeded, U.S. Senator Jim Justice, is considering a return to the Governor’s Mansion.
A potential 2028 Republican primary showdown that could reshape the state’s political landscape hasn’t officially begun—but is already drawing plenty of attention.
In September, Justice told MetroNews Talkline he was “100 percent” considering another run for governor.
“And the considering all centers around just one thing. If we were to ask those people in that room, have we lost our spark? A lot of those people in that room would have said they’re concerned, or yes, we have,” Justice said.
Justice has indicated that the decision on his political future could come after the November midterm elections and that he would not drag out the decision. Ogden Newspaper Capital Reporter and Columnist Steven Allen Adams says Justice is constantly being asked.
“Some are asking him to do it. They want him back. They want to run. They remember the good things,” Adams explained.
“People have that nostalgia, and people want him back. And he kind of has that whole Reagan thing of positivity. He’s always been positive. He loves the state of West Virginia.”
For Justice, the question is whether he wants to leave the U.S. Senate — where he was elected in 2024 and has a term running through 2030 — to seek a third term as governor. Politics Editor for The Hill and NewsNation, Chris Stirewalt says Washington is keeping an eye on his decision because it could have impacts on Republican leadership in the Senate.
“He has gone with the Senate Republican leadership. He has gone with John Thune’s team, and he has worked well with Senator Capito. I think the vibes there are: he’s for keeping the band together,” Stirewalt said.
According to Stirewalt, leadership on Capitol Hill is curious about who would be Justice’s replacement if he were to be re-elected as governor.
“West Virginia has not yet produced a red-hot populist in the Senate. West Virginia has had traditional conservative representation in the Senate after having Democratic representation in the Senate. If there’s any shift there, then that will be the question in Washington: if he leaves, who would replace him?”
For Morrisey, the challenge is different.
He’s working to establish his own record in office, emphasizing economic development, energy, and his administration’s policy priorities. When asked about the possibility of a Justice challenge, Morrisey has said he wants to focus on governing.
“It’s literally what 20 months into my first term. That’s the last thing I want to focus on,” Morrisey said to reporters at the annual Chamber of Commerce’s Business Summit at the Greenbrier.
“I want to deliver. I want to keep delivering on big wins for West Virginia, like we announced today, helping our families not playing politics. I want to make sure that we’re doing those really incredible things to help families who are struggling. That’s what my focus is.”
The political stakes are significant.
If Justice were to announce that he will challenge Morrisey for the GOP gubernatorial nomination, GOP Strategist Greg Thomas believes Morrisey could end up a lame duck governor for two years.
“I think the data center bill was very good. We got a small tax cut. Morrissey did get through some of those, you know, fringy things like banning food dyes and stuff like that. I don’t even think you’ll be able to get stuff like that done in this next session. If Justice announces, I think you get even less done,” said Thomas.
There are already signs the contest could get personal.
I wish you the best, but you can’t blame me or anyone else for your financial mismanagement in losing The Greenbrier.
I hope you’ll join the Greenbrier’s new leadership and me in keeping jobs in West Virginia while restoring the resort to its former glory.
Keep the faith!
— Patrick Morrisey (@MorriseyWV) August 26, 2026
The two traded public criticism over the financial future of The Greenbrier, the iconic resort owned by the Justice family. That exchange offered a preview of the tensions that could define a campaign.
There’s also a question of who else might enter the Republican primary — and whether a Justice candidacy would consolidate support and clear the field for a two-man race in the 2028 GOP Primary.
The votes for the 2026 General Election have not even been counted yet, and the 2028 race is already underway.