Jim Justice endorses Trump

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice (R) endorsed former President Trump for the Republican nomination for president in 2024 on Monday. 

“The leadership and success exhibited by President Trump could not be more different than what we see today under Joe Biden. I support President Trump and firmly believe he will be our nominee and be re-elected as our next President,” he tweeted. 

Justice is a two-term governor and a candidate for the Senate seat currently held by Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.). Early polling has shown him with a large lead over Manchin in a hypothetical match-up between the two. 

West Virginia Rep. Alex Mooney (R) is also running for the GOP Senate nomination in the state. 

Mooney’s campaign noted in a release on Monday that Mooney endorsed Trump in November because the state’s residents need “a true conservative leader who will support President Trump’s America First Agenda.”

“Alex Mooney understands that President Trump’s leadership is crucial for the success of our nation, which is why he was one of the first to endorse his 2024 presidential run. Jim Justice’s decision today is further proof that Justice is running scared and concerned about losing support from conservatives across West Virginia,” said John Findlay, Mooney’s campaign manager.

Justice is the latest among many Republican officials who have thrown their support behind Trump for the GOP presidential nomination. The former president has received endorsements from South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, nearly a dozen senators and more than 60 representatives. 

He also received an endorsement from Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose (R) on Monday. LaRose is running for Senate in Ohio, trying to unseat Sen. Sherrod Brown (D). 

“I’m proud to be the only Secretary of State in the nation endorsed by President Trump last year. I’m giving my full endorsement and support to his campaign for President of the United States, and I look forward to working with him as a United States Senator to make America great again,” LaRose said. 

Trump has maintained a significant lead in polls of the Republican field over his many challengers.

— Updated at 7:17 p.m.