West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice wins Senate GOP primary

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice won the Republican primary for Senate on Tuesday night, beating out House Freedom Caucus member Rep. Alex Mooney.

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice handily won the GOP primary for his state's open Senate seat. (Getty Images)

Justice is a former Democrat who announced he was switching party affiliations on stage during a rally with former President Trump in 2017.

Trump announced in October that he was backing Justice, writing on Truth Social, "Big Jim Justice, the Governor of the Great State of West Virginia (I LOVE WEST VIRGINIA!), is BIG in every way, but especially in his wonderful HEART! Strong on the Border, our Great Military & Vets, CLEAN COAL & Energy Dominance, the Economy, Stopping Inflation, & Protecting our 2nd Amendment, Big Jim will be a Great UNITED STATES SENATOR, and has my Complete & Total Endorsement. HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!!!"

THIS SENATE CANDIDATE CAUGHT ON CAMERA SCREAMING AT REPORTER

Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin's retirement makes the path to victory easier for Justice in November. (Getty Images)

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Justice had said in response to Manchin’s announcement, "Senator Joe Manchin and I have not always agreed on policy and politics, but we’re both lifelong West Virginians who love this state beyond belief, and I respect and thank him for his many years of public service."

Mooney had been endorsed by the conservative group Club For Growth. In addition to Trump, Justice’s backers included the Senate GOP’s campaign arm, the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), and the Senate Leadership Fund, an outside group linked to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.

Elizabeth Elkind is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital leading coverage of the House of Representatives. Previous digital bylines seen at Daily Mail and CBS News.

Follow on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com

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