In a recent discussion with an insightful and intellectually gifted friend, the topic of the upcoming transition in the Governor’s role in West Virginia came up for contemplation. In an unusual twist of fate, West Virginia may find itself in an unusual situation of having three different governors within a few months later this year and in early 2025.
This scenario would come from the combination of electoral outcomes, legal requirements, and ambitions of the state’s current political figures.
Let’s start with current Governor Jim Justice, who was first elected in 2016 and re-elected to the role in 2020. Now term-limited from seeking another cycle, Justice, a prominent and well-liked governor, has announced his intentions for U.S. Senate. He has won the Republican primary and is the party’s nominee for a seat in Washington in the upper house.
So, how does this work. The first step would come if Justice wins the Senate seat, which many believe he is likely to do. Once this happens, he would have to vacate the Governor’s Office before the term officially ends in January 2025. Under West Virginia law, the state’s line of succession directs the Senate President, currently Craig Blair, to assume the role of acting governor until a new governor is elected.
This succession plan is designed to ensure continuity of governance but it also sets the stage for three potential governors in this case.
The second step would come from the gubernatorial election in November 2024. West Virginia voters will elect a new governor whose new, full term will begin in January 2025. The legislature will begin its first term of the 87th legislative session on January 8, 2025, then recessing for 30 days to allow the Governor time to prepare his legislative agenda and propose a budget for the coming year.
However, if Governor Justice resigns his position prior to the end of its term, Senator Blair would serve as Governor for the period between his (Justice’s) resignation and the inauguration of the new governor.
This scenario is not just a matter of political musical chairs, it also carries potential – and significant – implications for West Virgnia’s governance and political stability. First, the transition from Governor Justice to Blair, even temporarily, could lead to shifts in policy priorities. While both are members of the Republican party, Blair may have different priorities and administrative focuses, creating a brief period of policy redirection.
Senator Blair recently lost his primary to a political outsider, Tom Willis, who was a member of the U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret and is a member of the West Virginia National Guard. Additionally, he is a lawyer and partner at a Martinsburg law firm.
Second, continuing on with Blair, the interim governorship could be more than a ceremonial role. Depending on timing, Blair could have the opportunity to influence budgetary decisions, appointments, and legislative agendas, all decisions his views have likely carried weight in the past.
But now, how do those line up with a new governor waiting to be sworn into the role? Does the newly elected governor have any say during this time?
One particularly interesting subject, those of appointments. Many realize there will definitely be at least two that need to be made due to successful outcomes of other primary races already won.
While the prospect of three governors in such a short time frame is unusual, it is not entirely without precedent in political history in the United States. States have experienced rapid changes in leadership due to resignations, impeachments, deaths, and other circumstances beyond one’s control. However, what makes West Virginia’s situation unique is the clear and foreseeable nature of transitions based on electoral and succession laws.
For West Virginia, this could be an unprecedented test of political and administrative resilience. The state’s constitution and code section are designed to handle such transitions, but the practical implications for state governance, public administration, and political strategy are complex and multifaceted.
Such a scenario underscores the importance of a strong, legal framework and the adaptability of state institutions to ensure maintaining continuity and stability. While the situation may seem a bit chaotic, it is also a confirmation to the strength of democratic processes and the ability of state governments to manage transitions, even under unforeseen and unusual circumstances.
As West Virginia approaches this possible period of rapid gubernatorial change, the eyes of political analysts and the public will be on how smoothly this state navigates these transitions and what it means for the future of the state’s political landscape. Political parties and legislators will need to navigate these transitions carefully, aligning their strategies to accommodate the changing leadership.
These brainstorming sessions and discussions might not be in the forefront at the moment, but they need to take place in coming months, and full disclosure may already be in the infancy stage. This will ensure to the public its leadership has a well-thought-out, well-articulated, well-communicated plan amongst all who will be at the helm of her state.
