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West Virginia’s Republican governor, Jim Justice, has announced that he will delay the state’s swearing-in in the Senate to prevent a change in Charleston’s legislative leadership that would result in four governors in 10 days.
As a result, the Republican Party’s Senate majority will temporarily remain at two seats instead of three. The judge hinted at that in remarks late Thursday, saying he wanted to do what was best for the climbers.
“My thinking behind all of this is that continuity of government is essential during a period of transition. … When I took this job, I wanted to serve the people of West Virginia. I got this job.”
The judge doesn’t expect much to happen between Jan. 3, when Congress takes the oath of office, and Jan. 20, when President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated, but a lot will happen in Charleston. He said it was possible.
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Donald Trump shakes hands with West Virginia Governor Jim Justice, who announced during the rally that he was switching political parties from Democratic to Republican during the “Make America Great Again” rally at Big Sandy Arena in Huntington, West Virginia. . (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)
West Virginia is one of seven states without an independently appointed or elected lieutenant governor. In Charleston, it is instead a statutory title given to the state Senate majority leader.
Therefore, if Justice is sworn into the U.S. Senate as planned, the role will initially fall to current state Senate President Craig Blair.
However, Blair lost the Republican primary for the Martinsburg seat in April and will step down from office on January 8, the day the new Congress is sworn in.
On January 8th, newly elected Tucker County Sen. Randy Smith will take over as governor until Governor-elect Patrick Morrissey takes office on January 13th.
“Some things will happen between January 3rd and President Trump takes office, but nothing will happen.” [in the U.S. Congress] Really, until President Trump takes office,” the judge said Thursday.
“I’ve been in constant contact with President Trump about my feelings about the president’s appointment choices, my feelings about the future direction on all kinds of issues, including energy, and everything. There is,” he added.
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West Virginia Governor Jim Justice poses at his desk with his pet bulldog, Baby Dog. (FOX News Digital/Governor Jim Justice’s Office)
“So I don’t think there’s anything that rises to the level that could happen here.” [in my absence]. ”
Republicans also flipped the Senate by a wide margin of 53-47, and Justice’s absence will leave them with a two-member buffer.
“I don’t think West Virginia needs to elect four governors in 10 days,” he said.
The judge said Thursday he made his decision after discussing the situation with both the Speaker of the House and the Senate Majority Leader’s nominee.
“Senator Thune is a really good guy. He’s going to do a great job as our leader and everything. And we had this discussion, and at the end of the day, everyone understands the complexities and I think you can see that I completely understand everything.” And I completely understand. [my decision]” said Justice.
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-S.C., who will be the judge’s counterpart in the next Congress, said she looks forward to working with him and working together to advance Mr. Trump’s policies.
“I greatly respect Governor Justice’s decision to honor his commitment to serve his full term as Governor of West Virginia,” he said in a statement.
“I believe this wholeheartedly,” Justice further told reporters. “The people of West Virginia elected me to this office and expected me to always follow them and do right. … It has been an incredible honor to serve as governor.”
Travelers who cross the East River Mountain Tunnel on Interstate 77 in Princeton are greeted by the West Virginia Welcome Sign. (Charles Crates)
Mr. Justice, a billionaire coal businessman who also owns The Greenbrier in White Sulfur Springs, was originally elected as a Democrat but lost his first term with Mr. Trump in Charleston in 2017. During the convention, he changed parties and was reelected as a Republican.
The shift to the Republican Party for Justice and the retirement of Sen. Joe Manchin (D-Del.) will replace the blue color that for decades has included Sen. Robert Byrd and Rep. Nick Joe Rahal. The complete transition from the state to a deep red state with a Democratic president is complete. Candidates since Hillary Clinton have lost by double-digit margins.
The judge reiterated that it was worth waiting until January 13th because she loves President Trump “with all of her soul.”
“I think the world of his family and everything else. And I’m going to be there.” [and] I’m very supportive of what he’s doing. And we’re going to try in every possible way. . . Get this country back on track. ”
“The people of West Virginia will know exactly where I stand with them.”
Charles Creitz is a reporter for Fox News Digital.
He joined Fox News in 2013 as a writer and production assistant.
Charles covers media, politics and culture for Fox News Digital.
Charles is a native of Pennsylvania and graduated from Temple University with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism. Story tips can be sent to charles.creitz@fox.com.
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