In Kearneysville, West Virginia, the upcoming Senate primary battle between Governor Jim Justice (R-WV) and Rep. Alex Mooney (R-WV) will test the GOP Senate campaign arm’s new strategy of taking sides in Republican primaries this cycle, a departure from the previous election in 2022.
Nearly a year ago, Governor Justice announced his Senate run, a move that pleased national Republicans who had been recruiting him for months. However, Rep. Mooney was already in the race with the endorsement of the conservative Club for Growth.
Former President Donald Trump endorsed Justice in the Senate race to replace outgoing Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV). However, with Manchin ultimately deciding not to run for reelection and ruling out a presidential bid, the dynamics of the race shifted.
Establishment Republicans are intervening aggressively in the Senate primary this year, aiming to avoid weak candidates after a lackluster performance in 2022. The National Republican Senatorial Committee has varied its involvement in primaries over the years, with a more active role in 2014 resulting in success for Republicans.
This intervention has caused tensions with the right flank of the party, with Senators Ted Cruz, Rand Paul, Mike Lee, and Rep. Jim Jordan endorsing Mooney. Despite facing polls showing Justice consistently leading by double digits, Mooney remains confident in his campaign.
The NRSC, led by Daines, has endorsed Justice and several other Senate candidates this cycle. Mooney has criticized Justice, highlighting his past as a Democrat before switching to the Republican party.
Voters attending Mooney’s rally expressed concerns about Justice’s connections to legal challenges against his family’s coal business. Despite these challenges, Justice’s campaign emphasizes his conservative record and accomplishments.
The West Virginia Senate primary is set for May 14, with the winner facing the Democratic nominee in the general election. Manchin has endorsed Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott, while on the Democratic side, Don Blankenship and Zach Shrewsbury are also competing for the nomination.
In conclusion, the Senate primary in West Virginia is shaping up to be a closely watched race, reflecting the shifting dynamics within the Republican party and the national political landscape.
