Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include a statement from Moore Capito
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WBOY) — Governor Jim Justice announced Thursday evening that he has endorsed Moore Capito to be the next Governor of West Virginia.
Today I am honored to announce my wholehearted endorsement for Moore Capito for Governor and that I will support him in every way. He is from a family of thoroughbreds: from his three-time-elected Governor-grandfather Arch Moore to his current United States Senator-mother Shelley Moore Capito. Moore has shown he has the vision and knowledge to elevate West Virginia, and I am proud to wish him success.
Gov. Jim Justice
Justice said that as the race for the soon-to-be vacant Governor seat has progressed, he has grown “saddened by the ridiculous mudslinging.” He said that he believes Moore Capito is the one candidate in the race who is “laser focused on continuing to keep us on the path of goodness.”
Moore Capito released a statement Thursday evening which read in part:
Governor Justice is a leader of generational consequence. It is a true honor to have earned his endorsement.
[…]
As Governor, I look forward to working with Senator Justice to keep getting it done for West Virginia by generating new opportunities for West Virginians and those who want to come here for our Wild Wonderful way of life.
Moore Capito
In the most recent polling numbers from Emerson College Polling obtained by 12 News’ Charleston affiliate, WOWK, current Attorney General Patrick Morrisey led the West Virginia gubernatorial race with 32.9 percent of voters choosing him. Chris Miller came in second at 16.2 percent, Moore Capito in third at 14.4 percent and current Secretary of State Mac Warner in fourth at 6.2 percent. 28.9 percent of voters were undecided at that time.
