Former President Donald Trump has given his endorsement to West Virginia Governor Jim Justice’s bid for U.S. Senate, dealing a blow to rival Republican Rep. Alex Mooney.
Justice and Mooney are competing in a primary to take on Democratic Senator Joe Manchin III, who has not yet declared for reelection. The GOP views Manchin’s seat as a crucial opportunity to regain control of the chamber.
Trump’s endorsement is a victory for establishment Senate Republicans and their campaign arm, who support Justice. However, it is a setback for Mooney and his more conservative supporters.
On his social media platform Truth Social, Trump posted, “Big Jim Justice, the Governor of the Great State of West Virginia (I love West Virginia!), is BIG in every way, but especially in his wonderful heart! Strong on the Border, our Great Military & Vets, Clean Coal & Energy Dominance, the Economy, Stopping Inflation, & Protecting our 2nd Amendment, Big Jim will be a Great United States senator and has my Complete & Total Endorsement. He will never let you down!!!”
In response to Trump’s endorsement, Justice tweeted that he was “honored and thankful” and took a jab at Mooney, claiming to be the strongest Republican candidate in West Virginia’s Senate race. Justice also criticized Mooney for being endorsed by one of the largest anti-Trump Super PACs.
Mooney expressed his support and respect for President Trump but disagreed with the endorsement. He emphasized his credentials as the only proven conservative in the race, deserving of West Virginians’ support.
Both Justice and Mooney are close allies of Trump and had sought his endorsement for months. Even before the endorsement, Justice held a significant lead over Mooney in the polls and had raised more funds. Mooney has positioned himself as the true conservative candidate, while Justice, formerly a Democrat until 2017, has received backing from various Republican senators and GOP lawmakers due to his support from the National Republican Senatorial Committee and the Senate Leadership Fund.
This endorsement from Trump adds a significant boost to Justice’s campaign and raises the stakes in the West Virginia Senate race.
