CHARLESTON, W.V. (LOOTPRESS) – Republican West Virginia Governor, Jim Justice, was sworn in to his second term in an afternoon ceremony on the steps of the state capitol Friday, Jan. 22.
Before the governor’s swearing-in, Court Chief Justice Evan Jenkins swore in constitutional officers Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, Secretary of State Mac Warner, Agriculture Commissioner Kent Leonhardt, Treasurer Riley Moore and Auditor J.B. McCuskey, all of whom were Republicans.
Jenkins also administered the oath for justices Tim Armstead, John Hutchinson and William Wooton.
During his speech, which focused on West Virginia’s growth from number 50 to number one, Gov. Justice asked everyone to close their eyes and imagine a place with four incredible seasons beyond belief. A place located within 600 miles of two-thirds of the population. A place that abounds in natural resources and is full of faith and family-based people. A place with low crime rates that knows the difference between right and wrong.
“As you open your eyes…know that place is West Virginia,” Justice said before asking everyone to close their eyes a second time to imagine a place that already has all of those attributes and more.
A place known as a world-class destination for tourism, with top-notch schools led by top-notch teachers and service personnel. A place with a diverse economy. A place with the best workers in the world. A place where the roads and bridges are smooth and safe and getting better every day. A place where economic development is soaring beyond belief because the people are waking up and realizing it is the place in the world where they want to be.
“Imagine that the people on the outside of the world can finally discover the diamond in the rough. Open your eyes and know that is West Virginia. That’s us.”
Justice, who defeated Democrat Ben Salango in November’s election, thanked the people of West Virginia for placing them in his care once again.
“It has been an honor beyond belief for me and my family in every way,” he said. “Thank you.”
While the hour-long ceremony was outside, attendees were socially distanced and wearing masks.
