Trump endorses Manchin foe Jim Justice in vital Senate race

Former President Donald Trump endorsed Gov. Jim Justice (R-WV) in the Senate race to unseat Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) next year.

Trump touted Justice, who he calls “Big Jim,” as being “BIG in every way, but especially in his wonderful HEART,” in a post on Truth Social Wednesday evening. The endorsement of Justice is a major blow to Rep. Alex Mooney’s (R-WV) bid to win the GOP nomination.

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“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!!!” Trump said.

Justice has received the backing of several high-profile Republicans including Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), along with support from the National Republican Senatorial Committee. He is a popular governor in the Mountain State, where he was initially elected as a Democrat before switching to the GOP in 2017.

Mooney has the backing of the Club for Growth and had received the backing of Trump in his House race in 2022. He said in July that he did not expect an endorsement from Trump in the GOP Senate primary, but an endorsement of Justice in the race will hurt Mooney’s case to run as the more Trump-aligned candidate in the deep red state.

The GOP primary race between Justice and Mooney will see the winner face off against Manchin if he decides to run for reelection next year.

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Manchin has been coy about his 2024 plans, leaving the door open for a Senate run or an independent presidential run. The West Virginia Democrat has said he will make a decision on his electoral plans by the end of the year.

The centrist said he feels bullish on his chances in whatever his 2024 plans are, saying that if he gets “in a race, I’m gonna win.”