Jim Justice
Jim Justice | |
|---|---|
| Born | James Conley Justice II April 27, 1951 Charleston, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, politician |
| Known for | Governor of West Virginia (2017–2025), U.S. Senator from West Virginia (2025–present) |
James Conley Justice II (born April 27, 1951) is an American entrepreneur and politician currently serving as West Virginia's junior United States senator since 2025. A member of the Republican Party, he previously held the office of West Virginia's governor from 2017 until 2025. Once ranked as a billionaire, his net worth had decreased to $513.3 million by 2021. Justice inherited a coal mining enterprise consisting of 94 companies and owns the Greenbrier, a luxury resort and designated National Historic Landmark located in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.
In 2015, Justice declared his intention to run for governor in the 2016 election. Although he had been registered as a Republican before, he entered the race as a Democrat and defeated the Republican candidate Bill Cole. Within seven months after taking office, he switched his party affiliation back to the Republican Party during an event with President Donald Trump. He secured reelection as governor in 2020.
Justice captured the U.S. Senate seat in 2024, succeeding Joe Manchin. He prevailed over U.S. Representative Alex Mooney in the Republican primary and defeated Democratic contender Glenn Elliott in the general election, becoming the first Republican to occupy that seat since 1956.
Early life and education
James Conley Justice II was born to parents James Conley Justice and Edna Ruth (née Perry) Justice in Charleston, West Virginia. He was raised in Raleigh County, West Virginia and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley in 1969. Initially attending the University of Tennessee on a golf athletic scholarship, he later transferred to Marshall University, where he served as captain of the Thundering Herd golf team for two years. He obtained both his bachelor's degree and his Master of Business Administration from Marshall.
Business career
Following graduation, Justice joined his family’s agricultural ventures. In 1977, he established Bluestone Farms, which now manages extensive farmland and ranks among the leading grain producers on the East Coast of the United States. Additionally, he developed Stoney Brook Plantation, a 15,000-acre preserve dedicated to hunting and fishing located in Monroe County. Justice has earned national recognition as a seven-time corn growing champion. Upon his father's passing in 1993, he inherited Bluestone Industries and Bluestone Coal Corporation. In 2009, he sold a segment of his coal operations to Russian firm Mechel for $568 million but reacquired them in 2015 for $5 million after coal prices declined and Mechel ceased operations at several mines. Since then, Justice reopened multiple mines and employed over 200 miners.
His mining enterprises have attracted criticism due to safety violations and unpaid taxes; in 2016, NPR identified him as the country's leading mine safety defaulter. He owed substantial sums in overdue taxes and coal mining penalties. Two lawsuits concerning debts were resolved in 2019, and in 2020 his mining companies agreed to settle $5 million in outstanding safety fines.
A 2020 investigation by ProPublica disclosed that Justice paid more than $128 million related to judgments and settlements over unpaid invoices. In October 2023, a federal court mandated the seizure and sale of a company-owned helicopter to satisfy an $8 million creditor judgment.
Forbes valued Justice’s net worth at $513.3 million as of October 2021; however, by January 2025 it had dropped below zero due to debts exceeding $1 billion. He owns or manages over fifty companies, including the Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs, which he purchased for $20.5 million in 2009 to avert bankruptcy.
By 2014, Justice operated seventy active mines across five states. His philanthropic contributions include $25 million toward the James C. Justice National Scout Camp at Summit Bechtel Reserve, $5 million to Marshall University, and $10 million donated to the Cleveland Clinic.
Prior to assuming gubernatorial duties, Justice stepped down from executive positions within his businesses, appointing his daughter Jill to oversee operations at the Greenbrier resort and his son Jay to manage mining and agricultural interests. He committed to placing his assets into a blind trust, though this arrangement proved complex.
During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Justice’s companies received between $11 million and $24 million through the Paycheck Protection Program. The Greenbrier Hotel Corporation obtained a loan ranging from $5 million to $10 million; while it did not guarantee job retention, it is required to allocate at least 60% toward payroll expenses to avoid repayment obligations.
2016
In 2015, Justice declared his intention to run for governor of West Virginia in the 2016 West Virginia gubernatorial election, entering the race as a Democrat after switching from the Republican Party earlier that year. This marked his initial venture into electoral politics. He earned the endorsement of the United Mine Workers.
Justice won the Democratic nomination in May 2016 and went on to defeat Republican Bill Cole in the general election held that November.
2020
Justice announced his bid for reelection in January 2019, this time as a Republican following his party switch in 2017 after attending a rally with President Donald Trump. He emerged victorious in the Republican primary against several opponents.
Throughout the general election campaign, Justice highlighted his management of the COVID-19 pandemic, the state's budget surplus, and initiatives targeting the substance abuse epidemic. Polling consistently placed him well ahead of Kanawha County commissioner Ben Salango. On November 3, 2020, Justice captured more than 63% of the vote, becoming West Virginia's first Republican governor elected since Cecil Underwood in 1996 and the first GOP incumbent to secure a second term since Arch A. Moore Jr. in 1972.
The United Mine Workers shifted their endorsement to Salango, reversing their previous support for Justice in 2016. Conversely, Justice received backing from the West Virginia Coal Association, which commended his efforts to protect miners, increase coal production, and develop innovative employment opportunities related to coal.
Tenure
Justice assumed office as governor on January 16, 2017, gaining recognition for his vivid metaphors and outspoken criticism of political adversaries.
To tackle West Virginia's fiscal challenges, he proposed generating an additional $450 million in state revenue by raising the consumer sales tax, reinstating the business and occupation (B & O) tax, and implementing a tax targeting high earners. He opposed reductions in funding for health care and education. On April 13, 2017, Justice vetoed a budget bill, denouncing it as "nothing more than a bunch of political you-know-what" while theatrically displaying cow manure as a visual aid.
On August 3, 2017, Justice publicly rejoined the Republican Party during a rally with President Donald Trump in Huntington, citing his inability to support Trump as a Democrat. This shift made him West Virginia's first Republican governor since Cecil Underwood left office in 2001.
Even after changing parties, Justice initially backed Democrat Joe Manchin in the 2018 Senate race but later shifted his support to Republican Patrick Morrisey. In February 2021, he clarified that he had no intention of challenging Manchin and remained focused on his gubernatorial responsibilities.
In 2020, Justice signed into law the Critical Infrastructure Protection Act, which established felony penalties for protests targeting oil and gas facilities. The legislation received support from Dominion Energy, the West Virginia Oil and Natural Gas Association, and the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers trade group. The bill’s sponsor indicated it was introduced at the request of the natural gas industry.
2024
In April 2023, Justice declared his intention to run in the 2024 United States Senate election in West Virginia. He secured the Republican nomination by defeating U.S. Representative Alex Mooney with 61% of the vote. With incumbent Democrat Joe Manchin opting not to seek another term, Justice won the November 5 general election against former Democratic Wheeling mayor Glenn Elliott.
Tenure
On December 26, 2024, Justice announced he would complete his gubernatorial term, which ended January 13, 2025, consequently postponing his Senate swearing-in by ten days. He officially took the oath on January 14, administered by Senate President pro tempore Chuck Grassley.
Justice was absent for his initial Senate roll-call vote concerning the Laken Riley Act amendment. In January 2025, he voiced support for President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, arguing that detractors were exaggerating their effects.
Committee assignments
For the 119th Congress:
- Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
- Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
- Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
- Special Committee on Aging
Political positions
Justice began his political journey as a conservative Democrat and was recognized by Time magazine as a moderate Democrat. Several months into his governorship, he switched allegiance to the Republican Party, endorsing President Donald Trump and donating $200,000 to Trump's reelection effort. Since his party change, Justice has been characterized as a moderate or liberal Republican by his 2024 primary challenger Alex Mooney as well as analysts from The Daily Beast.
Economic policy
Justice has governed with a strong commitment to supporting the coal sector. While opposing tax increases generally, he advocates for higher teacher salaries funded through anticipated growth in state revenues. In 2017, he resisted budget reductions and supported raising sales taxes. The libertarian Cato Institute assigned him an "F" rating for fiscal policy—a judgment Justice contested. Prior to his party switch from Democrat to Republican, Senate president Mitch Carmichael acknowledged Justice’s predominantly Republican views but criticized what he described as "tax-and-spend" habits.
In February 2021, Justice encouraged Senator Joe Manchin to back President Biden's $1.9 trillion stimulus package under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, cautioning against rigid fiscal conservatism during economic difficulties.
On the subject of raising the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour, Justice remarked that implementing a uniform national rate poses challenges. He recognized the hardship of living on $7–8 hourly wages but warned that excessively high minimum wages might lead to increased unemployment.
Abortion
While Justice has expressed personal opposition to abortion, he acknowledges and respects the decisions made by the Supreme Court. He endorsed Amendment 1 in West Virginia, a constitutional change prohibiting abortion following the reversal of Roe v. Wade. In September 2022, Justice enacted legislation that bans abortion at all stages of pregnancy, except in cases involving medical emergencies or victims of rape or incest. As governor, he has consistently described his position as unwaveringly pro-life.
Gun control
Justice advocates for responsible gun ownership with some limitations. In 2018, he approved a law permitting firearm owners to keep guns locked inside vehicles on employer premises, a policy supported by the National Rifle Association of America (NRA). Additionally, he sanctioned the legalization of hunting on Sundays on private property. On March 1, 2023, Justice signed legislation allowing individuals with concealed carry permits to carry firearms on college campuses.
Healthcare
Justice is a proponent of West Virginia’s Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. He voiced opposition to the American Health Care Act of 2017, a Republican initiative aimed at repealing the Affordable Care Act, cautioning that it would severely damage West Virginia’s healthcare system.
LGBTQ rights
Justice honors the Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage across the country. In 2017, he opposed legislation that would have allowed businesses to refuse service to LGBTQ individuals. However, in 2023, he signed a law prohibiting gender-affirming treatments for minors. By 2024, Justice indicated he would carefully evaluate the Fairness Act—intended to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity—before deciding on its approval, while affirming that LGBTQ people are "welcome to come to West Virginia" and participate in its economy. Previously, he had supported comparable measures in 2020 and proudly enacted a 2021 law preventing transgender athletes from competing in West Virginia sports.
Environmental policy
The Charleston Gazette-Mail has reported that Justice holds nuanced views regarding the scientific consensus on global warming. In a 2016 interview, he recognized environmental concerns but emphasized the necessity for additional study, stating he neither fully accepts nor rejects global warming claims.
At the start of his second term, Justice endorsed renewable energy initiatives by supporting Clearway Energy Group’s wind farm project, which is projected to increase wind energy production in the state by 15%. Nevertheless, he underscored that coal and natural gas continue to play vital roles currently and expressed doubt that a swift transition away from fossil fuels will occur soon.
Vaccination
Despite economic difficulties facing West Virginia, the state initially ranked second nationwide in distributing COVID-19 vaccines, surpassed only by Alaska. However, its vaccine rollout later slowed relative to other states. Justice actively encouraged vaccination efforts using the slogan "Do It for Babydog", referencing his pet dog.
Justice has occasionally criticized the state legislature—dominated by Republicans—for adopting extreme measures; notably, he vetoed a 2024 bill aimed at restricting vaccination mandates for students attending nontraditional public schools. Throughout the pandemic, he maintained strong support for vaccines and deferred to medical professionals who opposed such restrictive legislation.
Personal life
Justice met his spouse, Cathy Justice (née Comer), during their high school years. Together, they have two children. The pair are active members of First Baptist Church in Beckley, West Virginia, which is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA. He measures 6 feet 4 inches in height and has a weight of approximately 260 pounds. A devoted supporter of the New Orleans Saints (NFL), Justice invested $30 million in 2014 to establish a training facility for the team at the Greenbrier resort. Up until 2019, he was the host of the annual Greenbrier Classic, a PGA Tour golf tournament held at the resort.
Justice’s primary residence is in Lewisburg, West Virginia. He was involved in a legal challenge initiated by former state house assistant minority whip Isaac Sponaugle, who questioned whether Justice met the state constitutional requirement to live in the West Virginia Governor's Mansion located in Charleston. The West Virginia Supreme Court declined a petition for a writ of prohibition and interpreted the term "reside" broadly for officials serving statewide. On March 2, 2021, Justice consented to reside in Charleston and reimbursed Sponaugle’s legal expenses to settle the matter.
Justice owns an English bulldog named Babydog, who frequently accompanies him at various public appearances, including the 2024 Republican National Convention.
Youth sports
Since 1992, Justice has held the position of president for Beckley Little League.
Beginning in 2003, he has coached girls' basketball at Greenbrier East High School in Fairlea, West Virginia, guiding the team to a state championship victory in 2012. Between 2011 and 2017, he also served as coach for the boys' basketball teams, distinguishing himself as the sole coach at the AAA level—the state's largest classification—to lead both girls' and boys' squads concurrently. Although he placed his business holdings into a blind trust upon assuming office as governor, Justice continued his coaching duties throughout his two terms and has maintained his role as girls' basketball coach since his election to the U.S. Senate.
See also
- List of American politicians who switched parties in office
- List of richest American politicians
- Party switching in the United States
External links
- Senator Jim Justice official U.S. Senate website
- Jim Justice for Senate campaign website
- "Jim Justice" article in The West Virginia Encyclopedia
- Poll Numbers on Jim Justice