Justice Would Split Time Residing In DC, W.Va. As US Senator

Gov. Jim Justice says he would split his time residing in West Virginia and the nation’s capital if elected to the United States Senate this November.

Justice has come under fire in the past for not living in the West Virginia governor’s mansion as required under the state constitution.

During a virtual press briefing Wednesday, the governor said he would retain his current home in the Greenbrier County city of Lewisburg, but also acquire somewhere to live in Washington, D.C.

“Absolutely I’ll have a place in D.C., and I’ll have my residence at Dwyer Lane,” he said.

U.S. senators must officially reside in the states they represent upon election.

Traditionally, lawmakers obtain lodging closer to the nation’s capital for work. But a growing number of lawmakers avoid staying in the capitol longer than necessary for work.

As the Republican nominee in a heavily red state, Justice is the current frontrunner to represent West Virginia in the U.S. Senate. This fall’s general election will be held Nov. 5.

His bid for federal office comes after long-time incumbent Sen. Joe Manchin, I-W.Va., announced last November he would not seek reelection, citing frustrations over an increasing partisan divide in Washington.

During the state’s primary election in May, Justice won his place on the Republican ticket handily, securing more than 60 percent of the vote.