MEET JIM

Senator James C. Justice II was born on April 27, 1951, to James Conley Justice and Edna Ruth Justice. A lifelong West Virginian, he attended Raleigh County public schools and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1969, and attended Greenbrier Military Academy as a post-graduate.

Senator Justice went on to Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, where he was captain of the golf team for two years before earning his undergraduate degree and a Masters in Business Administration.

Senator Justice’s remarkable career took off in 1976 when he joined his family’s business and established the Justice Family Farms in Monroe County, West Virginia. With over 50,000 acres of farmland across multiple states, his agricultural enterprise thrived. As the largest farmer east of the Mississippi River and a seven-time national corn growing champion, Senator Justice’s passion for nature extended to developing Stoney Brook Plantation, a sprawling 15,000-acre hunting and fishing preserve.

Following the passing of his father in 1993, Senator Justice assumed leadership as President and CEO of Bluestone Industries, Inc. and Bluestone Coal Corporation. Over the next 15 years, he oversaw a substantial expansion of diverse businesses, including coal reserves, Christmas tree farms, cotton gins, turfgrass operations, golf courses, and land development projects. Prior to becoming Senator, he helmed 102 companies, demonstrating his expertise in job creation.

In 2008, Senator Justice orchestrated a multi-million dollar sale of Bluestone Industries, Inc. Senator Justice repurchased Bluestone in 2015, reopening its mines and generating over 200 new mining jobs.

In 2009, Senator Justice’s rescue efforts extended to The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, which faced bankruptcy and workforce cuts. Determined to revitalize the resort, he reversed benefit reductions and made significant investments in renovations and expansions. His visionary leadership attracted prestigious events like the PGA Tour, LIV Golf Tournament, NFL and NBA training camps, and various high-profile acts and conferences to The Greenbrier.

As a successful business owner and former Governor of West Virginia, Senator Justice possesses a deep understanding of job creation and economic growth. His extensive experience in these areas allows him to foster a business-friendly environment, attract investments, and create opportunities that drive prosperity for the state and its residents.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Senator Justice has dedicated more than three decades to supporting youth programs across West Virginia. He has served as President of Beckley Little League since 1992, fostering its growth to accommodate over 1,000 kids playing on 80 teams.

Additionally, he has actively coached basketball teams of all ages for 36 years, achieving significant milestones such as coaching his 1,000th career win in 2016. Senator Justice’s dedication to community service extends beyond sports, as he organizes the Mountain State Coal Classic Basketball Tournament, which provides substantial scholarships and support to participating schools.

Senator Justice and his wife, Cathy, prioritize giving back to West Virginia’s children, including through their annual $1 million in gifts to families in need. His exceptional contributions have been recognized through numerous awards, including the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce’s Community Service Award, the City of Hope Medical Center’s “Spirit of Life” award, and the title of “West Virginian of the Year” by esteemed publications and organizations. In 2010, he was named a “Distinguished West Virginian” by Joe Manchin, and in 2011, he was honored at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Blue Ridge Chapter “Dinner of Champions.”  Senator Justice was also named West Virginian of the Year in 2023. Please see the updated paragraph below. 

Senator Justice’s passion and impact go far beyond his political and business pursuits. His dedication to coaching and mentoring has earned him several notable accolades, including Mountain Athletic Conference “Coach of the Year” and West Virginia High School “Coach of the Year” in 2012. The Clarksburg Exponent Telegram also named him “West Virginian of the Year” in 2014, 2016, and 2023.

PUBLIC SERVICE

In 2015, Senator Justice announced his candidacy for the office of Governor of West Virginia. After 19 months on the campaign trail sharing his vision for transforming West Virginia, he was elected the 36th Governor of West Virginia. He won with a broad coalition of support from Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. In November 2020, Senator Justice won a second term earning more votes than any Republican incumbent Senator in state history.

During his tenure as Governor of West Virginia, Senator Justice led the state through an era of unprecedented change, driving significant progress in economic development, infrastructure, education, and overall growth.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Largest Tax Cut in State History

• Enacted over $1 billion in tax cuts, including nearly 30% personal income tax reductions.
• Advocated for continued reforms to make West Virginia one of the most competitive tax states in the nation.
• Increased investments in critical areas while maintaining one of the lowest debt-per-capita ratios in the nation.

Record Budget Surpluses

• After inheriting a $500 million budget deficit, Senator Justice led the state to consistently record-setting billion-dollar budget surpluses by using his lifelong experience as a businessman to make West Virginia more business-friendly.
• Balanced the budget and achieved record revenue surpluses, including a historic $1.8 billion surplus in Fiscal Year 2023.

Roads to Prosperity

• Delivered $13.6 billion in total infrastructure investments, modernizing roads, bridges, water systems, and public facilities.
• Completed the $2.8 billion Roads to Prosperity initiative, with an additional $416 million dedicated to secondary roads.
• Revolutionized transportation through the Roads to Prosperity program and secondary road improvements.
  Enhanced connectivity and safety across the state, paving the way for future economic growth.

Economic Development

• Secured over $20 billion in economic development investments, bringing industry leaders like Nucor, Berkshire Hathaway, and UNDBIO to West Virginia.
• Transformed the state into a business-friendly destination and achieved record-breaking private-sector growth.

Transforming Education and Public Schools

• Committing over $1 billion to public school infrastructure, ensuring modern and safe learning environments.
• Expanding Communities In Schools statewide and supporting students with programs like Jobs & Hope WV.

Unrivaled Growth in Tourism

• Achieved a $9 billion annual economic impact from tourism, boosted by the “Almost Heaven” campaign and record visitor spending.
• Invested $250 million in state parks, creating a world-class outdoor recreation experience.
• Promoted West Virginia as a top-tier destination with expanded access to state parks, trails, and adventure tourism.
• Preserved the state’s natural beauty with environmentally friendly initiatives and outdoor recreation projects.

Communities in Schools

• Started and expanded the Communities In Schools program to reach tens of thousands of students across West Virginia. The initiative forges community partnerships and brings resources into schools to help remove barriers to student learning to keep all students in school and ultimately graduating.
• Launched Friends With Paws, the nation’s first and only statewide therapy dog initiative. 
• Placed 45 therapy dogs in schools throughout West Virginia.

Jobs & Hope for West Virginians

• Created the Jobs and Hope West Virginia Program, which offers support through a statewide collaboration of agencies that provide West Virginians in recovery the opportunity to obtain career training and secure meaningful employment.

Pro-Life Champion

• Provided $1 million for pregnancy resource centers and increased the adoption tax credit.
• West Virginians for Life honored and recognized former Senator Justice for signing more pro-life bills into law than any governor in state history, including bold legislation stopping nearly all abortions in West Virginia.

Taking Care of West Virginians

• Prioritized millions annually in funding for food banks across West Virginia, including $20 million to establish the Posey Perry Emergency Food Bank Fund and 43 new meal delivery vehicles for the Meals on Wheels program.

Public Health and Safety

• Led one of the nation’s most effective COVID-19 responses, setting an example in testing and vaccination rollouts.
• Combated the opioid epidemic through the Jobs & Hope WV program, emphasizing recovery and workforce integration.

Supporting Our Veterans

• Exempted military retirement income from state income tax.
• Enacted a property tax rebate for disabled military veterans.
• Awarded $5.5 million for the veteran’s nursing home in Clarksburg, West Virginia.
• Funded 25 vans to transport disabled or injured veterans to medical appointments.
• Dedicated the largest Gold Star Families Memorial Monument in the world at the State Capitol Complex.

Supporting Coal, Oil, and Natural Gas

• Cut the severance tax on coal, oil, and natural gas in West Virginia to encourage the development and utilization of more natural resources in West Virginia.

Commitment to Public Servants

• Invested in first responders, public safety equipment, and the professional development of state employees.
• Raised the salaries for teachers, school service personnel, state employees, and West Virginia State Police numerous times.

Second Amendment

• Signed the Campus Self-Defense Act allowing law-abiding gun owners with concealed carry permits to take firearms on public college and university campuses.
• Recognized by the National Rifle Association as doing more to protect the Second Amendment than any governor in recent history.

Conservative Courts and Judges

• Appointed a rock-solid conservative majority to the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia.
• Created the Intermediate Court of Appeals of West Virginia to bring fairness to our legal system.
• Appointed a conservative majority to the new court.

Cleaning Up Our Communities

• Worked with counties and cities to deploy millions to remove blighted, abandoned, and dilapidated structures across West Virginia to make our communities safer, increase property values, and attract investment.

Billion Dollar Broadband Expansion

• Nearly $1 billion state investment in major broadband improvements, connecting hundreds of thousands of West Virginia homes to world-class broadband connectivity over the next decade.

On April 27, 2023, his 71st birthday, Senator Justice announced his candidacy for the United States Senate, surrounded by family, friends, and supporters at The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.

Senator Justice scored a strong victory in the Senate race, winning the primary with 61.8% of the vote. In the general election, Senator Justice captured 68.8% of the vote. His successful campaign not only earned him a seat in the U.S. Senate but also played a key role in flipping the seat to the Republican Party, strengthening the GOP’s presence in Washington.

FAMILY LIFE

Senator Justice and his wife, Cathy Justice, have been best friends since high school. They recently celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary. The Senator and Cathy have two adult children and spend time spoiling four grandchildren. In addition, they have three dogs: Lucy and Ellie, Boston Terriers, and their famous Babydog, an English Bulldog.

MEET BABYDOG JUSTICE

Babydog Justice, an English Bulldog, was born on October 27, 2019, and soon became a cherished gift from Senator Justice’s children, Jay and Jill, that same year.

At the time, Senator Justice’s grandson had just turned two. With no idea what the word ‘puppy’ meant, he kept asking, “Where did that baby dog go?” as the two played in the Christmas presents. Senator Justice and his family immediately knew the name Babydog was sticking.

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, Babydog began traveling with Senator Justice to work. Her debut came during Senator Justice’s briefing before Super Bowl LV, where she playfully discouraged large gatherings and famously predicted that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would score exactly 31 points in their victory.

Babydog quickly captured the hearts of West Virginians everywhere, bringing much-needed joy during uncertain times. In June 2021, Babydog became the official mascot of West Virginia’s COVID-19 “Do It for Babydog” vaccination sweepstakes.

As the Mountain State’s most famous and beloved pup, Babydog has graced major events like Senator Justice’s State of the State address and the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, as well as shows like Fox & Friends. She can often be found traveling DC and West Virginia, shaking paws and bringing smiles to everyone she meets alongside Senator Justice.

Babydog resides in Lewisburg with her dad, mom, and sibling, Ellie, a Boston Terrier. Her favorite things are chicken nuggets, napping, riding shotgun in her dad’s Suburban, and head scratches from everyone she meets.