Senator Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) is eager to bring his background as a former governor to the Senate and make strides toward balancing the federal budget, but he also has some strong opinions about the direction certain sectors, like cryptocurrency, are taking.
Why it matters: Known for his larger-than-life persona, Justice is a former Democratic governor who made a switch to the Republican Party, and he has a personal connection with the people of West Virginia, including his well-loved bulldog and a long-standing rivalry with his Senate predecessor, Joe Manchin.
Justice has always been outspoken about his views on his relationship with Manchin. “I always felt like Joe was looking for something personal, whether it was prestige or something else,” he explained. “That’s something I just can’t get behind.” Emphasizing his down-to-earth nature, Justice told Axios, “I’m not trying to be some fancy politician. I don’t want anything from this job.”
Also Read – West Virginia Leaders Concerned Over Federal Medicaid Cuts & Rural Hospital Impact
In a wide-ranging interview, Justice expressed his commitment to working on the federal budget, aiming to implement strategies similar to the ones that helped West Virginia. However, he’s also expressing concern over certain discussions within his own party regarding Medicaid policy. With a large portion of West Virginia’s population reliant on Medicaid and CHIP, Justice advocates for work requirements but is cautious about proposals that may hinder Medicaid expansion.
Justice had previously supported including GLP-1 weight-loss medications in Medicaid coverage but is now reconsidering his stance. “I’m just not sure anymore if that’s the right approach,” he admitted.
When it comes to the federal budget, Justice’s philosophy is clear: “Cut the waste, keep it as close to a flat budget as possible, but don’t cut into the heart of what people need.” This is his way of balancing fiscal responsibility with maintaining the support of voters.
Justice is also keeping a close eye on the work being done by Elon Musk and the world of Dogecoin, though he admits that some moves have gone a bit too far. “Sometimes you go beyond the fence, and when you do, you have to adjust,” he said.
Justice is known for being refreshingly unpretentious. While he prefers to keep things casual — asking people to just call him Jim — he still manages to make an impression, using a private jet for his commute and getting around Capitol Hill on an electric scooter. Of course, he’s rarely seen without his faithful bulldog, Babydog, who has quickly become a favorite among staff, lawmakers, and reporters alike.
“I guess you could say I’m a bit of an unusual character,” Justice said with a grin. “Yogi Bear would probably agree.”
In his free time, Justice coaches high school girls’ basketball, and he’s found a kindred spirit in Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), also a coach. The two often joke that they are the Senate’s best basketball coaches, and Justice counts Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) among those he gets along with well.
But it’s Babydog who steals the show. The bulldog’s weekly visits to the Capitol have become an event, drawing crowds of fans among the staff and lawmakers who adore her .