West Virginia has been a conservative stronghold for over a decade, but it could see a shift even further to the right on social policies as one GOP governor replaces another.

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced a flurry of executive orders and plans Tuesday, less than 24 hours after his inauguration.

Morrisey is taking over for Jim Justice (R-WV), who got elected to the U.S. Senate in the 2024 general election. Former West Virginia State Auditor JB McCuskey was sworn into office as the state’s new Attorney General, filling Morrisey’s former position.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The sun breaking through the clouds a little during Monday’s inauguration parade welcoming in West Virginia’s 37th Governor Patrick Morrisey.

Jim Justice, former governor of West Virginia, took the oath of office for the Senate Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. A former billionaire whose family businesses include coal mines and the operation of The Greenbrier resort,

Sen. Jim Justice (R-WV) was sworn into the Senate on Tuesday, bringing Republicans one step closer to a 53-seat majority in the upper chamber. Justice took the oath of office one day after he finished his second term as West Virginia governor and six days before President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated for a second term

Justice was officially sworn into the United States Senate Tuesday, replacing long-time Democratic Senator Joe Manchin. Justice, who previously served two terms as Governor of West Virginia, was joined by his Republican colleague Senator Shelley Moore Capito on the Senate floor for his swearing in.