Gov. Jim Justice (R‑WV) and former Gov. Larry Hogan easily defeated right-wing challengers on Tuesday night, handing the GOP Senate campaign arm two major victories.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee worked hard to recruit both popular governors in their respective states, with the goal of flipping two blue seats. The committee has been determined to avoid a repeat of their lackluster 2022 midterm performance by wading into key GOP primaries.
Justice framed himself as the strongest candidate to unseat Sen. Joe Manchin (D‑WV) before Manchin ultimately announced his retirement from the Senate. The West Virginia Democrat had been considered Senate Democrats’ only chance of holding on to the West Virginia seat. Justice ultimately defeated five-term congressman Alex Mooney (R‑WV), who had the endorsement and financial backing of the conser …