Former West Virginia Governor Jim Justice sworn in as latest GOP senator

Justice was sworn in by Senate President Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley, and was joined by fellow West Virginia GOP Sen. Shelley Moore Capito.

By Misty Severi

Published: January 14, 2025 4:58pm

Former West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice on Tuesday was sworn in as the latest senator, increasing the GOP lead in the Senate to 52 seats, over the Democrats' 47 seats.

Justice opted to be sworn in later than the rest of the Senate because he was still completing his term as governor. The new senator replaces former Independent West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, and he was replaced as governor by Republican Gov. Patrick Morrisey.

Republicans will have 53 seats in the Senate this year, once Vice President-elect JD Vance's replacement is confirmed. Vance resigned his post last week.

Florida GOP Sen. Marco Rubio will also need to be replaced later this year, if he's confirmed by his peers as President-elect Donald Trump's Secretary of State.

Justice was sworn in on Tuesday by Senate President Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley, and was joined by fellow West Virginia GOP Sen. Shelley Moore Capito.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.