Manchin Retirement Boosts West Virginia Coal Scion's Senate Bid.

West Virginia's Republican governor, Jim Justice, has a clearer path for his Senate bid after Democrat Joe Manchin announced he will not seek reelection. Justice, a former Democrat who switched to the GOP during the Trump administration, is unlikely to face significant opposition from the Democratic Party in a state that Trump won by a large margin in 2020. Although Justice faces competition for the Republican nomination, he has the endorsement of Trump, support from Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, personal wealth, and a significant lead in polls. Justice comes from a family with deep roots in the coal mining industry and has a diverse business empire that includes coal companies, agricultural holdings, and a historic West Virginia resort. [Extracted from the article]