Born April 27, 1951, in Charleston, West Virginia, Jim Justice built wealth in coal, agriculture, and hospitality — most famously as owner of The Greenbrier resort. He earned both his B.A. and M.B.A. from Marshall University and became one of the state’s most visible business figures.
Justice was first elected governor in 2016 as a Democrat, then publicly switched to the Republican Party in 2017. He served two terms as governor (2017–2025), leaning on tax cuts, business recruitment, and a constant pitch that West Virginia is “open for energy, open for jobs.”
In November 2024, he won West Virginia’s U.S. Senate race with roughly 68.8% of the vote — a landslide that flipped retiring Democrat Joe Manchin’s seat. He took office in January 2025, immediately positioning himself as a loud advocate for fossil fuels, seniors, and rural counties.
Moderate Republican • Populist Style
Achievements
- Won West Virginia’s 2024 U.S. Senate race by ~41 points, flipping a long-held Democratic seat for Republicans.
- As governor, leaned on tax relief, broadband and road money, and pandemic-era aid framed as “protecting Main Street.”
- Branded West Virginia as pro-coal, pro-gas, and extraction-friendly, arguing those industries equal “dignity of work.”
- Maintains a direct, plain-spoken style that resonates with older voters, energy workers, and rural counties.
Controversies
- Long-running lawsuits and debt claims tied to his coal and resort businesses; critics argue conflicts of interest.
- Accusations of blurring personal, family, and public roles while in office, including appointments and leverage of state influence.
- Frequently ducked traditional debates / extended press grillings, favoring friendly in-state media and scripted briefings.
Top Donors
- $92,400 (Individuals: $92,400, PACs: $0)$Communicare Health Services
- $46,500 (Individuals: $46,500, PACs: $0)$Pro-Israel America PAC
- $33,000 (Individuals: $33,000, PACs: $0)$Triton Construction
- $30,630 (Individuals: $25,630, PACs: $5,000)$Diversified Energy Co
- $24,100 (Individuals: $14,100, PACs: $10,000)$Arch Resources
Amounts reflect organization-linked giving; most funds listed here are from individual donors or aligned PACs unless otherwise noted.
Recent Elections
U.S. Senate (West Virginia)
2024
R +41.0%
Won ~68.8% statewide, flipping Joe Manchin’s open Senate seat for Republicans.
Governor (Re-election)
2020
R +33%
Cruised to a second term as a Republican on jobs, tax relief, and COVID recovery messaging.
Governor (First election)
2016
D +7%
Initially won the governorship as a Democrat with ~49% before switching parties in 2017.
Party affiliation in 2016 was Democratic; by 2020 and 2024 he was running as a Republican.