Staff Reports
West Virginia Governor Jim Justice, who recently announced his declaration for a senatorial candidacy, is leading incumbent Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin by a significant margin in a hypothetical head-to-head matchup. A recent poll conducted by East Carolina University showed Justice with 57% approval rating, whereas Manchin received only 33%. With the governor enjoying the support of 70% of Republicans, 52% of independents, and 39% of Democrats, it’s no surprise that Manchin is lagging so far behind.
— Gwendolyn Chapman (@paulgwen) May 30, 2023
GOP Rep. Alex Mooney is also running in the Republican primary against Justice, but is trailing by a whopping 41 points, according to the poll. In a head-to-head matchup, Mooney leads Manchin by just 1 point at 41% to 40%. Recent polls suggest that Justice would beat Manchin by a staggering 43% to 29% in the general election, while Mooney would lose by 6 points.
2024 West Virginia Senate: Jim Justice holds 22-Point lead over Joe Manchin
(R) Justice : 54% (+22)
(D) Manchin: 32%Justice approval: 57/29 (net +28)
Manchin approval: 33/59 (-26)ECU poll, May 22-23, 957 RV https://t.co/foJkr58fiY pic.twitter.com/H5rhdqS9UB
— InteractivePolls (@IAPolls2022) May 30, 2023
A Terrance Group poll in February had predicted that Justice would lead Manchin by 10 points, and Mooney would lose to the incumbent senator by 55% to 40%. However, the current poll indicates a significant shift, with Justice firmly in the lead.
Interestingly, the poll also provided insight into Republican presidential primary preferences in West Virginia. Former President Donald Trump dominated the crowded field with 54%, while other candidates such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis received only 9% of the vote. Conservative businessman Vivek Ramaswamy and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson both received 2% support, and 20% were undecided.
It’s clear from this poll that the people of West Virginia are looking for strong conservative leadership, and Jim Justice is the clear choice. With Manchin’s approval ratings plummeting, it’s truly time for a change. West Virginia deserves someone who will stand up for their values, and Justice is the person to do it.
