CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WBOY) – Despite the idea that West Virginia could potentially have four governors in less than two weeks next monthGovernor Jim Justice officially killed the idea on Thursday.
During a press conference on December 26, 2024, said Governor Jim Justice announced that he will remain in his position as governor until January 13, when newly elected Governor Patrick Morrisey is sworn in. Justice was scheduled to be officially sworn in as a U.S. senator on January 3, which would have left power. The governor’s office has been empty for ten days.
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During the period between Justice and Morrisey, the position of governor would have fallen to Senate President Craig Blair, but not for long. Blair lost the Senate primary in recent elections, meaning he will be replaced as Senate president when West Virginia’s new legislature is sworn in on January 8. The new Senate president will then be chosen by the 32 Republicans who are part of the election. the majority and that person would have been governor until January 13.
Gov. Justice opposed the idea, saying he believes “continuity of government is essential” during transitions of power. He added that “nothing will actually happen” in the US Senate until President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated on January 20.
“I don’t think anything is going to reach the level of what could happen here,” Governor Justice said. “I don’t think West Virginia needs four governors in 10 days. I don’t think that should happen.”
Governor Justice said he has spoken with current U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) several times about adhering to this decision and that she supports it.
Justice said in a statement Thursday afternoon that he is “wholeheartedly committed to finishing the job I started and ensuring that the upcoming transition of government proceeds properly.” He added that he is “grateful to complete this journey with the people of West Virginia.”
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