West Virginia Republican Sen. Jim Justice revealed Thursday that he is actively exploring a return to the governor's mansion in 2028, less than two years after leaving that office for the U.S. Senate. During an appearance on MetroNews's "Talkline" radio program, Justice said he is "100 percent" considering a primary challenge to incumbent Gov. Patrick Morrisey, who succeeded him after winning the 2024 election.
"I'm not going to tease around with people, that's awful to do," Justice said. "That's not my style. We'll make a decision and make it quickly." Politico first reported on Justice's potential bid.
The 75-year-old senator, a wealthy businessman, served two terms as governor from 2017 to 2025. He won his Senate seat in 2024 by defeating Democrat Glenn Elliott by more than 40 points, after having switched his party affiliation to Republican in 2017 at a rally with then-President Trump. Justice had declined to endorse Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential race.
If Justice pursues a third gubernatorial term, it would set up a bitter intraparty battle with Morrisey, who has already drawn contrasts with his predecessor. The two have traded barbs in recent days over the sale of The Greenbrier resort, a historic property that Justice's family controlled for years.
Last week, Morrisey praised the deal that transferred controlling interest in the resort, writing on X: "I am hopeful that the new controlling owner will bring much needed financial stability to the iconic Greenbrier resort." Justice fired back, accusing Morrisey of "taking shots at people who actually take risks, build businesses and create jobs." He added, "I've spent my life doing exactly that — signing the front of paychecks for thousands of West Virginians, not just collecting one."
The exchange escalated when Morrisey responded directly: "I wish you the best, but you can't blame me or anyone else for your financial mismanagement in losing The Greenbrier." He also expressed hope that Justice would join the resort's new leadership in preserving jobs and restoring the property.
Justice has not endorsed Morrisey in the past; in the 2024 GOP gubernatorial primary, he backed Moore Capito, who now serves as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia and is the son of Sen. Shelley Moore Capito. That history suggests a primary clash could be contentious.
During his radio interview, Justice said he hopes Morrisey and state officials "knock it out of the park," but he indicated he will decide "real soon" whether to challenge his successor. The potential rematch echoes other high-profile governor races across the country, such as the tight Iowa contest and the deadlocked Wisconsin race, where incumbents face serious primary threats.
The Hill has reached out to Morrisey's office for comment.
