Top MAGA senator setting stage for epic 'intraparty clash'

In 2024, a U.S. Senate seat in West Virginia flipped to Republican when then-Gov. Jim Justice enjoyed a 41 percent victory over Democratic nominee Glenn Elliott (the seat was formerly held by centrist Joe Manchin, who left the Democratic Party and became an independent that year). But now, Justice is, according to Politico, "seriously considering launching a campaign to return to the governor's mansion." And if that happens, it could set the stage for bitter infighting among West Virginia Republicans.

Politico's Aaron Pellish reports, "Less than two years into his Senate term, Jim Justice is seriously considering launching a campaign to return to the governor's mansion. The West Virginia Republican is exploring a 2028 gubernatorial primary challenge to Gov. Patrick Morrisey, according to two people who have spoken directly with Justice about his deliberations and were granted anonymity to discuss them."

One of the two Politico sources said that Justice is "very seriously exploring" a gubernatorial run, adding, "I think he's closer to running than not. If I had to give a percentage, I would think he's 75 percent likely to do this."

Both of the Politico sources, however, said that Justice hasn't made a final decision. But if the conservative senator does decide to run for governor, Pellish notes, it could pave the way for an intense "clash" among Republicans in West Virginia.

"A Justice gubernatorial campaign would set up a major intraparty clash with Morrisey that could further entrench growing factions within the state GOP," Pellish explains. "Morrisey is a conservative hardliner, while Justice, who was originally elected to the governorship as a Democrat before dramatically announcing a party switch during a rally with President Donald Trump in 2017, is more closely aligned with the pro-business wing of the party."

The Politico reporter notes that Justice and Morrissey have "never been close."

"Justice endorsed Morrisey's opponent, Moore Capito, the son of Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), in the 2024 gubernatorial primary," Pellish notes. "Justice was heavily recruited by Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to take on then-Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin in the 2024 election, when he was closing in on the end of his second term as governor. West Virginia law restricts any governor from serving more than two consecutive terms, but has no limits on non-consecutive terms. Manchin opted to retire."

Morrissey has the support of Club for Growth President David McIntosh, who vowed that if the governor does face a GOP primary challenge in 2028, "We are prepared to do what it takes to help him win again."

According to West Virginia-based Republican strategist Greg Thomas, who doesn't work for either Justice or Morrissey, the senator has his work cut out for him if he takes on Morrissey in 2028.

Thomas told Politico, "To beat Morrisey, (Justice is) going to have to run the best campaign he's ever run. He'll have to run a bigger, more comprehensive, well-funded effort to beat Morrisey than what he's had in past elections."