Sen.-elect Jim Justice (R-WV) announced Thursday he will delay his swearing-in by 10 days to ensure a smooth transition of power in West Virginia.

Trump ally Justice, who is set to replace retiring Sen. Joe Manchin (I-WV), made the decision to hold off on his swearing-in until Jan. 13, after the completion of his second term as governor, as the Washington Examiner reports.

Justice to Delay Senate Swearing-In

Justice, currently serving as West Virginia’s governor, was originally scheduled to be sworn into the Senate on Jan. 3. However, he explained that he would remain in office until his term as governor officially ends on Jan. 13, the same day that Gov.-elect Patrick Morrisey is set to take office at home.

The delay comes at a time when the state of West Virginia will see a significant shift in leadership. Morrisey, the incoming Republican governor and current attorney general of the state, will be sworn in on the same day Justice plans to enter the Senate. Justice’s decision aims to ensure that the state does not have a gap in governance, with four different governors in just 10 days.

Ensuring Continuity of Government

In a press conference Thursday, Justice emphasized the importance of continuity of government during such transitions. “My whole thinking behind all this is the continuity of government is essential during transitions,” he said. Justice noted that between Jan. 3 and President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20, there would be minimal Senate activity. “There won’t be anything happening, really, until when President Trump takes office,” he added.

Justice, a strong ally of Trump, also explained that his absence from the Senate would not impact any significant legislative decisions. He mentioned that there would be little to no major votes in the Senate before he is seated. Furthermore, the Senate will not confirm any of Trump’s nominees until the new president is sworn in later in January. Justice stated that he remains in constant contact with Trump regarding the confirmation of his nominees and supporting Trump’s broader agenda.

“President Trump knows, without any question, I’m his biggest ally,” Justice remarked during the press conference.

Minimal Impact on Senate Operations

The delay in Justice’s Senate swearing-in is expected to have minimal impact on the Senate’s operations, as Justice is not slated to participate in any committee hearings or votes of significant consequence before he takes office. Although he will miss parts of confirmation hearings for Trump’s nominees, his temporary absence should not pose a problem for Senate business.

Justice has been appointed to four Senate committees, including Energy and Natural Resources, Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and Aging. However, his absence from these committees, especially during the early days of the session, is not expected to hinder the Senate’s functioning.

Republican Majority in New Congress

The new Congress will convene in January with the Senate holding a 53-47 Republican majority. Justice’s swearing-in will maintain the GOP majority, but his delayed seating may not have any immediate impact on legislative proceedings.

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), a fellow West Virginia Republican, expressed respect for Justice’s decision. In a statement, she said, “I very much respect [Justice’s] decision,” acknowledging the importance of a smooth leadership transition in the state.

Transition for West Virginia’s Political Landscape

Justice’s decision to delay his Senate swearing-in marks the end of a long-running tenure as West Virginia’s governor, a position he has held since 2017. He previously served as a Democrat before switching to the Republican Party in 2017, aligning himself more closely with Trump’s political agenda.

The transition of power in West Virginia represents a shift not only in the governor’s office but also in the Senate, with Justice poised to take over for the retiring Manchin. The political landscape in the state is undergoing a transformation, and Justice’s decision to remain governor for a few more days ensures that there is no gap in leadership.

Ensuring Stability for West Virginia

With Justice’s delay in taking office, the state will see a smooth handover of power from Justice to Morrisey. This continuity is particularly crucial for a state like West Virginia, which has a history of political shifts and changing leadership.

The delay also allows Justice to complete his duties as governor and ensure that there is no disruption to ongoing governance, while also allowing Morrisey time to prepare for his new role. It reflects Justice’s commitment to West Virginia and his desire to ensure that the state remains stable during this transitional period.

Justice’s Commitment to Trump’s Agenda

Justice’s decision to postpone his Senate swearing-in follows a broader trend of governors and other elected officials adjusting their schedules to ensure that transitions of power are as smooth as possible. In recent years, political leaders have increasingly recognized the importance of maintaining stability during such times, particularly when new administrations take office at the federal level.

As Justice prepares for his new role in the Senate, he will likely continue to be a strong supporter of Trump and the Republican agenda. His tenure in the Senate is expected to further align him with conservative causes and to make an impact on West Virginia’s representation in the federal government.

Looking Ahead: West Virginia’s Political Future

Despite his delay in taking office, Justice’s decision is seen as a pragmatic one, prioritizing the needs of West Virginia and ensuring that the state remains under steady leadership until the end of his term.

The state will be watching closely as Justice transitions from governor to senator, a move that is sure to have implications for both state and national politics in the years to come.