The Republican field vying to replace term-limited West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice grew this week, with 2018 Senate nominee and state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey joining the fray instead of opting for another Senate bid.
Morrisey’s decision means the Senate GOP primary is likely to come down to two major candidates — Rep. Alex Mooney, who earned the influential Club for Growth’s endorsement this week, and Justice, who has yet to announce his plans but is widely expected to join the contest soon. We’ll have more on the West Virginia Senate field, including Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin’s flirtation with a presidential bid, next week.
Morrisey joins a crowded field that already includes two famous political scions — state Del. Moore Capito (the son of Sen. Shelley Moore Capito) and auto dealer Chris Miller (son of Rep. Carol Miller). Two other statewide elected officials are also running: Auditor J.B. McCuskey and Secretary of State Mac Warner. Wealthy former state Sen. Jeff Mullins, who goes by the nickname “Bubblegum,” is still mulling a bid, but sources in the state expect
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