West Virginia could find itself in an extraordinary and historic scenario come January 2025 with the potential for four different individuals to serve as governor over just a few weeks within a single month. This unusual possibility highlights the intersection of political transitions and constitutional protocols.
Governor Jim Justice, term-limited after two terms, will be transitioning to the United States Senate. With Justice’s win in the race for the senate seat being vacated by current Senator Joe Manchin, he could need to step down as governor in early January 2025, as early as January 3, to take his seat in Washington, D.C. This step would trigger a series of events leading to the remarkable possibility of multiple governors in rapid succession.
Under the West Virginia Constitution, the Senate President becomes acting governor if the sitting governor vacates the office before their term ends. Craig Blair, the current Senate President, would step into this role if Justice leaves before the new governor is inaugurated. Blair’s time as acting governor may last just days but this still could happen if Justice resigns January 3 to assume his newly-elected role in Washington.
However, Senator Blair was defeated during the May 2024 primary, paving the way for new leadership in the Senate. The newly elected members of the 87th legislature will be sworn in on the second Wednesday of January, which falls on January 8, 2025. Among those taking the oath of office will be Tom Willis, Blair’s successor. However, he will not automatically follow Blair in his role as Senate President. Prior to the official swearing-in, the Senate will convene in a caucus, to determine who will be nominated and elected as their next Senate President.
This official election of officers, to preside over the respective bodies of the Legislature will occur after members are sworn in and take the oath of office.
So, again, there will be just a short number of days between January 8, the swearing-in of the Legislature and the inauguration of the 37th governor of the state, Patrick Morrisey, which is on January 13, 2025. It would seem reasonable to assume Acting Governor Blair may pass along the title to whomever the Senate elects as the next Senate President.
This potential sequence of governors would make national headlines, but its implications are more than just procedural.
Justice’s departure would symbolize a shift from state to federal politics, reflecting his broader ambitions for his state. He is not the first governor to transition to U.S. Senate. It will be interesting to watch Justice in Washington. Will he find being one of one hundred a space where he can be as impactful as being the state’s chief executive? What will his relationship with President-Elect Trump mean for the state?
Meanwhile, Blair’s brief tenure would underscore the importance of constitutional continuity in the absence of an elected leader. Finally, the inauguration of newly-elected Governor Morrisey would mark the beginning of a fresh chapter for West Virginia.
While the idea of four governors in one month may seem chaotic, it’s a testament to the state’s institutional safeguards that ensure governance continues smoothly. For voters, it should serve as a reminder of the importance of participation in elections, as the choices made at the ballot box directly impact these transitions.
At its core, this situation highlights the resilience of West Virginia’s political system.
Amid change and uncertainty, the state has mechanisms in place to ensure stability and continuity, no matter how brief they may seem at the time. Whether the state ultimately sees two, three, or four governors in January 2025, the most important takeaway is the smooth transfer of power and the readiness of leaders to meet the needs of the people.
However, if Justice opts to not get sworn in until after the inauguration of Governor-Elect Morrisey, none of this will occur.
The transition of power will be a non-issue, and all the speculation will have been just that, speculation of a situation that did not play out in reality. West Virginia’s political landscape is entering a fascinating phase, one that will likely shape its trajectory for years to come.
