Justice Weighs 2028 Run Against Morrisey
Former Governor Jim Justice says he is considering a return to the governor's office in 2028 and may decide after the November 2026 midterms.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Elections
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Jim Justice, who preceded Patrick Morrisey as West Virginia governor, said in September he is 100 percent considering another run for governor. Justice has indicated he could announce his decision after the November 2026 midterm elections, and has said he would not drag out the decision.
Why it matters
A Justice candidacy would set up a potential Republican primary against the sitting governor less than two years into his first term. Analysts say the outcome could reshape the state's GOP political landscape ahead of 2028.
Justice was elected U.S. Senator in 2024 and his Senate term runs through 2030, meaning a 2028 governor bid would require leaving that seat. The 2026 General Election votes have not yet been counted, and Justice has not announced whether he will run.
The players
Jim Justice
Jim Justice is a former West Virginia governor who was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2024 and previously built a large business empire that includes The Greenbrier resort.
Patrick Morrisey
Patrick Morrisey is the current governor of West Virginia, serving his first term after previously serving as the state's attorney general.
The details
Justice told MetroNews Talkline in September that he was 100 percent considering another run for governor. His public criticism of Morrisey over the financial future of The Greenbrier resort, owned by the Justice family, has added friction between the two men.
Timeline
September 2026: Justice says he is considering a gubernatorial run.
November 3, 2026: Midterm elections are held.
After the November 2026 midterms: Justice is expected to decide on his political future.
2028: Potential Republican gubernatorial primary.
Political Context
Justice previously held the West Virginia governorship before winning a Senate seat in 2024. A return bid would test whether a former governor can reclaim the office from a successor of his own party.
Voters in West Virginia could face a 2028 Republican primary between two former and current governors, which would shape the ballot choices available in that cycle. The decision timeline means residents will not know the field until after the 2026 midterms.
The takeaway
Voters should watch for Justice's post-midterm announcement, since it will determine whether the 2028 GOP primary is a two-person contest. The timing gives the state a clear window to weigh the candidates before filing deadlines.
What happens next
Justice has said he expects to decide on his political future after the November 2026 midterm elections, when votes are counted and the 2026 cycle concludes.
Further reading
Track the state's races on the West Virginia Elections section for updates on the 2028 governor contest.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WV MetroNews.
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