Former President Donald Trump voiced his support for GOP Rep. Jim Justice (R-Ohio) in the forthcoming West Virginia Senate race. This endorsement signals Trump’s involvement in a heated Republican primary in a state viewed as a prime pickup opportunity for the party.
Trump took to Truth Social to express his support, NBC News reported. "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!!!” he wrote.
West Virginia is considered the Republicans’ best chance to gain a Senate seat next year. The incumbent Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va) is up for re-election in a state that Trump won by a significant margin in 2020.
Trump’s decision to back Justice gives him an edge over GOP Rep. Alex Mooney(R-W.Va) in the primary. However, Mooney enjoys the support of the influential conservative group Club for Growth, which has committed to investing millions in the race.
Trump’s endorsement aligns with that of National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Steve Daines, R-Mont., who has also supported Justice’s candidacy.
In response to Trump’s endorsement, Justice expressed his gratitude, stating that Trump and his family have been “treasured friends for a long time.” He also praised Trump’s tenure as president.
Trump’s endorsement of Justice follows his support for Mooney during his House race last year, which helped Mooney defeat then-GOP Rep. David McKinley(R-W.Va.)
Despite this, Mooney disagreed with Trump’s decision to back Justice, expressing in a statement to NBC News that he is “the only proven conservative in this race that West Virginians deserve.”
Jim Justice. Credit: Flickr
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