<p>Sen. Jim Justice (R-WV) is considering a return to the governor’s mansion, which could result in a primary challenge against his successor, Gov. Patrick Morrisey (R-WV), and potentially impact the political landscape in West Virginia.</p>
<p>Justice, who served two terms as governor before joining the Senate in 2025, is contemplating a 2028 primary challenge against Morrisey. This scenario could lead to a significant political contest between two prominent figures in the state's politics.</p>
<p>Justice has indicated his interest in challenging Morrisey and is expected to make a decision following the midterm elections on November 3.</p>
<p>Morrisey, who previously served as West Virginia attorney general under Justice, has not publicly announced his reelection plans and has avoided questions regarding Justice’s potential candidacy. However, insiders suggest that Morrisey is likely to run and is already raising funds for his campaign.</p>
<p>A West Virginia GOP insider commented, “This is a clash of the titans. Everybody is talking about it. I’d be surprised if [Justice] didn’t challenge Morrisey.”</p>
<p>The conservative Club for Growth has pledged support for Morrisey, who reportedly has around $5 million in campaign funds, according to an ally.</p>
<p>Justice’s potential reelection as governor would require him to vacate his Senate seat, leading to an appointment from a list of candidates chosen by the state party. A special election would follow within four months to fill the Senate vacancy, with the winner serving until the next election in 2030.</p>
<p>Rep. Riley Moore (R-WV) and West Virginia Republican Treasurer Larry Pack are viewed as leading candidates for the Senate appointment, both of whom have connections to Justice. Moore previously served as state treasurer during Justice's governorship, while Pack held a senior advisory role in Justice’s administration.</p>
<p>Greg Thomas, a West Virginia GOP operative, stated, “It’s not a matter of will somebody run against [Morrisey]. It’s going to be who’s going to run and how many different people will run? I think if Justice gets in, it probably clears the field from everybody else.”</p>
<p>Both Morrisey and Justice are recognized figures in West Virginia politics with strong ties to President Donald Trump. Some Republicans believe Justice may have an initial advantage, especially given recent polling indicating disapproval of Morrisey’s job performance in certain districts. However, they acknowledge that a victory would not be straightforward for either candidate.</p>
<p>Justice’s consideration of a gubernatorial run aligns with his recent comments distancing himself from the Trump administration, addressing concerns about affordability issues affecting constituents.</p>
<p>In a recent statement, Justice criticized his party for overlooking the struggles of everyday people and emphasized the need for Republicans to acknowledge these issues. He also clarified his support for Trump’s immigration policies after initially suggesting adjustments were needed.</p>
<p>Justice has cited his past successes as governor as motivation for his potential candidacy, expressing concerns about the state's direction under Morrisey, although he refrained from directly criticizing Morrisey’s performance.</p>
<p><em>David Sivak contributed to this report.</em></p>