
New governor plans stricter conservative rules in West Virginia
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During his tenure as West Virginia’s governor, Jim Justice approved conservative legislation without making it a centerpiece of his administration, focusing instead on economic initiatives and tax reductions. As he transitions to the U.S. Senate, replacing Joe Manchin, I-W.Va., the state prepares for a potentially more aggressive conservative agenda under its incoming governor.
Patrick Morrisey, who will succeed Justice, brings a markedly different approach to social issues. As the state’s first Republican attorney general in eight decades, Morrisey has actively championed conservative causes, from defending abortion restrictions to supporting school choice programs and transgender sports bans.
The honorary West Virginian, Donald J. Trump?
Gov. Patrick Morrisey (@MorriseyWV) said West Virginia will partner with @realDonaldTrump to help capitalize on the state's natural resources under his new administration.
Read more about it here: https://t.co/WUmEGcFCU8 pic.twitter.com/KQP2Ysc67S
— Charleston Gazette-Mail (@wvgazettemail) January 13, 2025
Earlier this month, Morrisey outlined his priorities, stating, “The politically correct agenda that we saw from the left over the years has no place in West Virginia.” He promised to immediately remove diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives from state government.
Unlike Justice, who occasionally pushed back against what he viewed as legislative overreach – including vetoing restrictions on vaccination requirements for certain students – Morrisey has indicated support for religious vaccine exemptions, currently not permitted in West Virginia.
Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin characterizes Morrisey as a committed ideologue, suggesting his leadership will differ significantly from Justice’s more moderate approach.
Morrisey assumes leadership as Republicans dominate West Virginia politics, controlling nearly every aspect of state government. The GOP holds 123 of 134 legislative seats, all board of public works positions, and congressional seats.
Matt Herridge, the state’s Republican Party Chair, views West Virginia as a model for national conservatives, emphasizing the party’s mandate to promote limited government and individual freedom.
This Republican dominance marks a dramatic shift from the state’s Democratic past, when union influence and working-class appeal kept Democrats in power. The transformation began during Barack Obama’s presidency, when his environmental policies alienated voters in the coal-dependent state.
New West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey takes the oath of office pic.twitter.com/2hN8LyJQsp
— Anna Saunders (@ASaunders_WCHS) January 13, 2025
In his farewell address, Justice emphasized his economic accomplishments, touching only briefly on social issues like abortion restrictions and transgender sports regulations. While he supported these measures, his approach contrasted with Morrisey’s more vocal advocacy.
Morrisey has repeatedly defended conservative social policies in court, declaring last year, “We’re not going to allow the elites in the swamp to impose their values on West Virginia citizens.” He’s pursued legal challenges regarding transgender healthcare coverage and athletic participation, demonstrating his commitment to advancing conservative social policies.
West Virginia’s political evolution continues, with Trump securing 70% of the state’s vote in 2024 – the highest percentage nationwide – and every county supporting him in three consecutive presidential elections. As Morrisey takes office, the state appears poised for an even stronger rightward shift in its social policies.