Senator Jim Justice says he'll decide on a governor's race within weeks

Sen. Jim Justice said he expects to decide whether to run for West Virginia governor in under a month, emphasizing a swift and definitive announcement. He described his tenure as governor as a period of strong fiscal performance and expressed worry that the state could regress without continued leadership. A Justice candidacy would set him against current Governor Patrick Morrisey, also a Republican.

Justice, who was elected to the Senate after two gubernatorial terms, said he is satisfied with his Senate role but remains seriously interested in the governor's office. He indicated he will discuss his plans with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, though he called any such talks premature. Fellow West Virginia senator Shelley Moore Capito praised Justice's record as both governor and senator.