Governor of West Virginia Jim Justice Poised to become state’s next U.S. senator by defeating Democrats Glenn Elliott inside Tuesday’s general election.

Independent since 2010 Joe Manchin took the seat. A former Democrat Manchin frequently challenged party leadership while at odds with former President Donald Trump. But Manchin Announced November 2023 He said he would not seek a third term.

Justice’s victory is a pivotal moment for the Republican Party. He aims to regain control of the Senate. West Virginia has moved sharply to the right over the past two decades, making it a must-win situation for Republican strategists.

West Virginia Election Results 2024: Live updates, maps for every state race

Justice benefits from its own state’s legacy

Jim Justice, Businessman who founded Bluestone Farms In 1977, he grew his operation into the leading cereal producer on the East Coast. He is among the richest residents of West Virginia, with a net worth of over $500 million.

Justice launched his campaign for governor in 2015. Originally registered as a Republican, he ran as a Democrat and defeated Republican candidate Bill Cole. But just seven months after taking office, Justice Returned to the Republican PartyHe announced his decision at a rally in West Virginia with then-President Donald Trump.

During his tenure, Justice highlighted several successes, including a state budget surplus and the Pathway to Prosperity program aimed at improving infrastructure. His administration also prioritized tax cuts and Second Amendment rights.

Glenn Elliott, an attorney and former mayor of Wheeling, West Virginia, served as a legislative assistant to the late West Virginia Senator Robert C. Byrd. Elliott’s campaign focused on important issues such as health care, restoring women’s reproductive rights, improving child care and workforce development.

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Jeremy Yurow is a political reporter for the USA TODAY Network in Hawaii. You can reach him at [email protected] or on X, formerly Twitter @JeremyYurow.

This article first appeared on USA TODAY: West Virginia Governor Jim Justice to replace Joe Manchin in the US Senate