OnPolitics: West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice could pose serious problem for Democrats in 2024

Hey there OnPolitics readers! Republican West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice could pose a problem for Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Democrats in 2024.

Justice filed paperwork to run for Senate in 2024, opening the challenge to Manchin if he runs for reelection – which the incumbent senator has yet to do.

What else we know: Justice is scheduled to officially announce his campaign this evening at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Spring, West Virginia, with Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia in attendance to support Justice’s bid.

Why it matters: Manchin’s seat has long been considered the Democrats’ most vulnerable seat as former President Donald Trump has won West Virginia by wide margins in both 2016 and 2020.

While Manchin is one of the most conservative Democrats and frequently clashes with his own party, including President Joe Biden, a run against Justice could be among the toughest tests Manchin has faced in his three decades in West Virginia politics.

This comes as Democrats prepare to protect their vulnerable seats for 2024. Senate seats in Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin in addition to West Virginia are up for reelection.

🔎 Keep reading: W.Va. Gov. Jim Justice running for Senate, setting up possible showdown with Sen. Joe Manchin in 2024

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: OnPolitics: Manchin, Justice could face off in 2024 for Senate seat