WV Gov. Jim Justice endorses Donald Trump for president

West Virginia Republican Gov. Jim Justice on Monday endorsed former President Donald Trump's 2024 presidential bid as he mounts his own campaign to represent his state in the Senate.

"The leadership and success exhibited by President Trump could not be more different than what we see today under Joe Biden," he tweeted. "I support President Trump and firmly believe he will be our nominee and be re-elected as our next President."

Trump maintains a commanding lead in the Republican primary, though several rivals, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, tech mogul Vivek Ramaswamy, and former Vice President Mike Pence, have attempted to wrest support from the ex-commander-in-chief.

Justice, meanwhile, faces Rep. Alex Mooney in the Republican primary for the Senate contest. The winner will vie for the seat currently held by Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin, who has not yet announced in 2024 plans. Some have speculated he may opt against a stiff reelection bid in the deep-red state and pursue a third-party campaign for president instead.

Trump, for his part, has not endorsed Justice's Senate bid, though reports indicate he is unlikely to back Mooney over Justice. Mooney confirmed last week to CNN that Trump had declined to endorse him in the primary.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.