Jim Justice of West Virginia to Postpone Senate Swearing-In for 10 Days to Complete Governor’s Term
“I don’t believe West Virginia requires four governors in just 10 days,” Justice stated.
Governor Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), who is also a senator-elect, announced on Thursday his decision to postpone his swearing-in as West Virginia’s junior senator in order to fulfill the remainder of his term as the state’s governor.
Justice, who will succeed outgoing Sen. Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.), plans to take the oath of office on January 13, rather than January 3, the date when the new Congress officially convenes. January 13 coincides with the inauguration of Governor-elect Patrick Morrisey, the current state attorney general.
During this brief window of 10 days, Justice noted that it is improbable for the Senate to make any decisions that would be comparable to what could occur in West Virginia.
“I don’t think that West Virginia ought to have four governors within 10 days,” he remarked, alluding to the potential scenario of several acting governors should Justice take the oath as a senator on January 3.
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In mid-November, Thune secured his position as Republican majority leader, defeating Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) in a leadership election, occurring months after the longtime Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) announced his retirement from the role.
When the new Congress assembles, Republicans are expected to hold a slim 53-47 majority. The Senate will refrain from making any decisions regarding Trump’s appointees for Cabinet positions and others until he is officially inaugurated on January 20.
Justice has capitalized on Trump’s strong support in West Virginia, a state that Trump won by 42 percentage points in 2016, 39 points in 2020, and over 51 percent in 2024.
Initially elected as West Virginia’s governor as a Democrat in 2016, Justice transitioned to the Republican Party merely seven months after assuming office, famously announcing his party switch alongside Trump at a public event.
Upon taking his senatorial oath, it will mark a significant milestone as it will be the first occasion since 1958 where both of West Virginia’s U.S. senators are Republicans, the other being Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, who was re-elected in 2020.
Sen. Capito expressed her respect for Justice’s choice to complete his second term as governor in a statement to various news outlets on Thursday.
“I eagerly anticipate collaborating with Senator Justice, as we have significant work ahead to promote President Trump’s agenda for all West Virginians,” she stated.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
