Trump endorses Justice in West Virginia

Former President Donald Trump endorsed West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice’s Senate campaign on Wednesday, dealing a blow to rival Rep. Alex Mooney (R-W.Va.), who was also angling for the endorsement.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Justice as “BIG in every way, but especially in his wonderful HEART” and offered his “Complete & Total Endorsement.”

Details: Justice is close with the former president and switched to the GOP during an appearance with Trump in 2017. But the former president has been more cautious in making endorsements this cycle than in previous ones.

Mooney and Justice are both vying for Sen. Joe Manchin’s seat, but the governor has shown a commanding lead in polling. Party leaders in D.C. are also backing Justice.

Trump remains popular in West Virginia, where he won in 2020 by 39 points.

Up next: Manchin has not decided whether or not he will run for reelection. He has said he won’t make any announcements before the end of the year.