Coverage of West Virginia’s 2024 Election: Candidates, Races, and Expectations
Republican Gov. Jim Justice of West Virginia is making a bold move by running for Senate after being ineligible for reelection due to term limits. Justice, a former billionaire who owns the Greenbrier Resort, switched parties from Democrat to Republican in 2017 and is now eyeing a seat in Washington, challenging Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin.
With Manchin opting out of the race, the Republican nominee is expected to be the heavy favorite in the fall. Justice faces competition from Rep. Alex Mooney and five other Republicans in the Senate race.
On the Democratic side, Don Blankenship, a former Republican who was convicted in connection to a coal mine explosion, is running for Senate. He faces opposition from Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott and Marine Corps veteran Zach Shrewsbury.
In the governor’s race, Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, who previously ran for Senate against Manchin, is in the running along with other candidates, including the sons of West Virginia’s congressional delegation members.
The primary election in West Virginia is set for Tuesday, with a number of races on the ballot, including the presidential primary. Registered Democrats and Republicans can only vote in their respective primaries, while independent or unaffiliated voters have the option to participate in either. Delegate allocation rules vary for each party, with a total of 32 delegates at stake in the Republican presidential primary.
The governor’s race has become a competitive battle, with candidates vying for the conservative base. Morrisey, Capito, and Miller are leading in spending, while Elliott’s endorsement from Manchin could give him an edge on the Democratic side.
As the primary approaches, voter turnout and advance voting numbers are being closely monitored. With a history of quick vote-counting, results are expected to be reported shortly after polls close on Election Day.
Stay tuned for updates on the West Virginia primary election and the latest developments in the race for Senate and governor.
