Biography

James Conley Justice II, born on April 27, 1951, in Charleston, West Virginia, is a prominent businessman and politician. He has served as the junior United States Senator from West Virginia since January 14, 2025, representing the Republican Party. Prior to his tenure in the Senate, Justice was the 36th Governor of West Virginia from 2017 to 2025. He is also known for his extensive business ventures, including ownership of The Greenbrier resort and various coal mining operations.

Education and Political Experience

• Education:

  • Bachelor's degree and Master of Business Administration from Marshall University.

• Political Experience:

  • Elected as the 36th Governor of West Virginia in 2016; served from January 16, 2017, to January 13, 2025.
  • Switched from the Democratic to the Republican Party in August 2017.
  • Elected to the U.S. Senate in November 2024; assumed office on January 14, 2025.

Notable Achievements

• Economic Initiatives:

  • Enacted the largest state tax cut in West Virginia's history, returning over $750 million to residents through income tax cuts, car tax rebates, and small business property tax rebates.
  • Championed the "Roads to Prosperity" program, investing billions in infrastructure projects across the state.

• Social Policies:

  • Signed legislation banning most abortions in West Virginia, with exceptions for medical emergencies and cases of rape or incest.
  • Supported Second Amendment rights by signing the Campus Self-Defense Act, allowing concealed carry permit holders to carry firearms on public college and university campuses.

• Veterans Support:

  • Exempted military retirement income from state income tax and provided property tax rebates for disabled veterans.
  • Funded $5.5 million for the veterans' nursing home in Clarksburg and dedicated the largest Gold Star Families Memorial Monument at the State Capitol Complex.

• Energy Sector:

  • Reduced severance taxes on coal, oil, and natural gas to encourage resource development in West Virginia.

Justice's tenure as governor was marked by a focus on economic development, infrastructure improvement, and conservative social policies, reflecting his commitment to the state's growth and the well-being of its residents.