Associated Press Published

Greenbrier Owner Jim Justice: Decision on Gubernatorial Run Coming in Two to Three Weeks

Jim Justice

Greenbrier resort owner Jim Justice says he expects to make a decision in two to three weeks on whether he’ll run for governor in West Virginia in 2016.

He told The Associated Press on Wednesday his interest is based largely on helping West Virginia’s economy.

The 63-year-old Democrat says he’s also been a registered Republican and an independent voter.

Democratic Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin has reached his term limit. Democratic U.S. Sen Joe Manchin said Sunday he would seek another Senate term in 2018 rather than run for governor.

Other possible candidates who haven’t announced they will run for governor include Republican state Senate President Bill Cole, state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey and U.S. Rep. David McKinley, and Democratic Senate Minority Leader Jeff Kessler and U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.