Jim Justice
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| Jim Justice | |
|---|---|
| Name | Jim Justice |
| Caption | Justice in 2023 |
| Order | 36th |
| Office | Governor of West Virginia |
| Term start | January 16, 2017 |
| Lieutenant | Mitch Carmichael, Craig Blair |
| Predecessor | Earl Ray Tomblin |
| Party | Republican (2017–present; 2015), Democratic (2015–2017), Independent (2011–2015) |
| Spouse | Cathy Comer |
| Alma mater | Marshall University, Greenbrier Military School |
| Birth date | 27 April 1951 |
| Birth place | Charleston, West Virginia, U.S. |
Jim Justice. He is an American businessman and politician serving as the 36th Governor of West Virginia since 2017. A former member of the Democratic Party, he switched to the Republican Party in 2017. His tenure has focused on economic development and the state's energy sector, while his business empire, particularly in coal, has been a source of both wealth and controversy.
Early life and education
He was born in Charleston, West Virginia, to a prominent family; his father, James C. Justice II, founded Justice Family Farms. He attended the Greenbrier Military School before enrolling at Marshall University, where he played college basketball under coach Cam Henderson. He graduated with a degree in business, setting the stage for his eventual takeover and expansion of the family's business interests. His early life was deeply rooted in the culture and economy of Southern West Virginia.
Business career
His business career is centered on a vast and diversified private empire. He is the owner of The Greenbrier, a historic luxury resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. His holdings, operated through The Justice Family Group, include extensive coal mining operations, Bluestone Coal, and large-scale agricultural enterprises. His companies have frequently been involved in legal disputes over environmental violations and unpaid fines to agencies like the Mine Safety and Health Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency. He also owned the Greenbrier Classic, a PGA Tour golf tournament.
Political career
His political career began with his election as Governor of West Virginia in 2016, running as a Democrat. He announced his party switch to the Republican Party at a rally with then-President Donald Trump in 2017. He was easily re-elected in 2020. His political approach is often characterized as populist, and he has been a staunch supporter of the coal industry. He is currently a candidate in the 2024 U.S. Senate election for the seat being vacated by Senator Joe Manchin.
Governor of West Virginia
As governor, his administration has prioritized economic growth, often citing major investments by companies like Toyota and Nucor. He signed legislation eliminating the state's income tax and has overseen significant budget surpluses. His tenure has also seen pushes for education reform, including support for charter schools and a controversial attempt to amend the state's constitution regarding the West Virginia Board of Education. His handling of the COVID-19 pandemic included aggressive promotion of vaccination. However, his governorship has been shadowed by ongoing lawsuits and federal investigations into his business finances.
Personal life
He resides in Lewisburg, West Virginia, and is married to Cathy Comer; they have two children. He is known for his folksy demeanor, often bringing his English Bulldog, named Babydog, to official events. An avid sports fan, he once served as head coach of the Greenbrier East High School girls' and boys' basketball teams. His personal wealth, derived from his private companies, has consistently made him one of the wealthiest sitting governors in the United States, according to analyses by Forbes. Category:1951 births Category:Governors of West Virginia Category:American businesspeople Category:21st-century American politicians