CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Governor Jim Justice delivered his final address to the West Virginia Legislature on January 8, 2025, during an organizational day session held in the House Chamber. Speaking to lawmakers in both the House and Senate, Justice, a former basketball coach, framed his farewell message in sports terms, expressing gratitude for the cooperation and teamwork he experienced during his two terms in office.
“I hope that you think I’ve been a decent coach, but you can’t win ballgames without great players,” Justice said. “You were the players, and you were great players. You made me proud so much it was off the chart.”
Justice, reflecting on the state’s progress since his first day in office, attributed much of the success to what he described as “a miracle from God.” Among the major achievements during his tenure, the governor highlighted the state’s improved economic standing, citing it as one of his administration’s key accomplishments.
“The things we have been able to do because we are economically sound are unbelievable,” Justice remarked. “We’ve done good stuff, and you should really be proud of that.”
Throughout his speech, Justice acknowledged a variety of initiatives, including the Roads to Prosperity program, tax cuts, advances in tourism, and improvements in education. He also took pride in the state’s ability to overcome skepticism from outsiders.
“We pulled the rope together. We made tough, right decisions,” Justice said. “We proved them wrong, didn’t we? We proved them wrong over and over. They called us hillbillies, but we proved them wrong, and now West Virginia, in many ways, is the envy of the world.”
“I promised you a rocket ship, right?” he added. “Well, we’re riding that rocket like we can’t imagine.”
Justice, who will be sworn in as a U.S. Senator on January 13, 2025, turned his attention toward the incoming administration. He expressed his well wishes for Governor-elect Patrick Morrisey, urging lawmakers and the public to support his successor.
“We wish him the best like you can’t imagine,” Justice said. “For crying out loud, please, nobody root for failure. I think the world of Patrick and Denise, and I stand ready to help them in any way. I pray they have successes like you can’t imagine.”
In closing, Justice urged the state’s leaders to continue the work they had started together.
“Keep it going,” he said. “I’m so proud of you, it’s off the chart. It’s been a real honor flying with you. It really has.”
Justice’s remarks marked the end of his time as governor, as he prepares for his new role in the Senate. Governor-elect Patrick Morrisey will be sworn in on the same day as Justice, beginning a new chapter for West Virginia’s leadership.
