CHARLESTON — A public exchange between Gov. Patrick Morrisey (R) and U.S. Sen. Jim Justice (R) has renewed tensions between the two West Virginia Republicans and fueled speculation that Justice could challenge Morrisey for governor in 2028.
The dispute began after Morrisey commented on the change in ownership at The Greenbrier, where Kennedy Lewis Investment Management recently assumed majority control following a $500 million financial agreement. Morrisey welcomed the resort’s new leadership and said his administration would work to protect Greenbrier employees during the transition. Morrisey’s statement did not mention Justice’s name.
Sen. Jim Justice, whose family previously owned and operated the resort, responded on social media by accusing Morrisey of taking political shots at people who have invested in West Virginia and created jobs.
“Patrick seems awfully eager to take shots at people who actually take risks, build businesses and create jobs in West Virginia,” Justice wrote. He defended his family’s record in the state and said, “Patrick can keep playing politics. We’ll keep building.”
Morrisey responded Wednesday with a pointed message of his own, rejecting Justice’s criticism and telling the senator to accept responsibility for the loss of The Greenbrier.
“I wish you the best, but you can’t blame me or anyone else for your financial mismanagement in losing The Greenbrier,” Morrisey said.
Morrisey also encouraged Justice to work with the resort’s new leadership to preserve jobs and help restore the property.
The exchange is notable as Justice’s name has increasingly surfaced in speculation surrounding the 2028 gubernatorial race. Justice served two terms as governor from 2017 through 2024 before winning election to the U.S. Senate. He has not announced plans to seek the governor’s office again, and there is no formal campaign underway.
A potential Justice challenge would set up a significant Republican contest between two of the state’s most prominent political figures. Morrisey won the 2024 gubernatorial election and remains eligible to seek a second term in 2028.
The latest dispute also reflects a broader political divide between the two Republicans. Justice has increasingly criticized Morrisey’s administration, while Morrisey has sought to establish his own political identity after succeeding Justice as governor.
The increasingly direct exchanges between Justice and Morrisey are drawing attention to the possibility that their political rivalry could extend well beyond the Greenbrier dispute and into the next gubernatorial election.