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CHARLESTON -- Pressure continues to mount on Gov. Jim Justice to enter the Republican race for U.S. Senate in 2024, with new polling showing a solid lead over U.S. Rep. Alex Mooney in a GOP primary match-up.
According to a poll released by National Public Affairs, Justice would defeat Mooney, R-W.Va., in a theoretical two-way race 55% to 24% with 21% undecided. The poll took place between March 14 and 17 with 360 likely Republican primary voters, including both Republicans and independents.
In a theoretical race including Justice, Mooney, Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, and McDowell County native and former coal miner Chris Rose, Justice led with 42%, followed by Morrisey with 21%, Mooney with 10%, Rose with 2%, and 24% undecided.
"On the ballot test, Governor Justice has a significant lead -- more than 20 points against a field of potential or declared challengers," wrote NPA co-founder Justin Clark and Macy Stepien, vice president for polling and data. "Notably, he dominates in multiple scenarios -- one-on-one and among a larger field."
"These poll numbers reflect what we have seen time and time again. Governor Jim Justice is universally known, has the highest approval of any elected official in the state, and would be the strongest Republican candidate for U.S. Senate," said a source close to Justice who declined to be identified.
Clark and Stepien wrote that Morrisey was included in the poll prior to announcing what many believe will be a run for governor in Harpers Ferry today, followed by a three-day state tour. A poll from a Morrisey-aligned political action committee by National Research Inc. in February showed Morrisey leading in a six-way race by 28% with 29% of respondents undecided.
Broken down by several demographics, Justice stays above 40% with both men and women, Republicans and independents, and all income levels. Of the possibly opponents included in the poll, only Morrisey comes closer to Justice, polling above 20% in all but two of the demographic categories.
"Governor Justice's coalition extends across key demographic groups," Clark and Stepien wrote. "This data cements his potential to unite the Republican coalition and draw in Independent voters in a 2024 general election scenario."
When considering favorability, Justice polled at 77% favorability, while Mooney only polled at 47% favorability. Justice's favorability remained above 75% in nearly all of the demographic categories polled, while polling at 81% favorability with respondents age 65 and older and 81% for those earning between $50,000 and $99,000.