James C. Justice, II, a Democrat, defeated Republican Bill Cole to win the office, earning 49% of the vote, with a campaign that highlighted his business acumen and lack of political experience. Justice bought the White Sulphur Springs, W. Va., property in 2009.
James C. Justice, II, owner and CEO of The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, W. Va., has won the Gubernatorial Election in West Virginia.
On November 8, a large crowd of supporters turned out at The Greenbrier’s Colonial Hall as the votes were tallied, and at the end of the night, Justice, who won the Democratic nomination in May, defeated Republican Bill Cole to win the office. Justice earned 49% of the vote, with Cole earning 42%.
Although the state heavily favored Trump in the presidential election, Justice has held a substantial lead in the polls ahead of the election with a double-digit advantage over Cole. In a campaign that showed some resemblance to Trump’s, Justice highlighted his lack of political experience as a strength, tapping into a general distrust of Washington D.C. in a state that has battled unemployment following the decline of the coal industry, Forbes reported.
Justice, a Beckley, W.Va., native who now resides in Lewisburg, W.Va., purchased The Greenbrier in 2009. He immediately invested in renovations and expansions, adding amenities such as The Greenbrier Casino Club. He brought a PGA TOUR FedExCup event, The Greenbrier Classic, to the historic resort in 2010, and has lured the NFL’s New Orleans Saints and NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans to The Greenbrier for training camps.
Last year, Justice announced that he was bringing golf legends Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and The Greenbrier’s Golf Professional Emeritus, Lee Trevino, together to design a new mountaintop course on The Greenbrier’s property. That course is currently under construction and scheduled to open sometime in the near future.
“What Mr. Justice has done to bring America’s Resort back into the spotlight as a premier vacation and meeting destination has been nothing short of incredible,” said Elmer Coppoolse, COO, The Greenbrier. “We’re unbelievably excited about his continued efforts here at The Greenbrier and on an even larger stage across West Virginia.”
Justice, 65, is deeply involved in his family’s business and prior to his tenure at The Greenbrier, as a result of his strong interest in agriculture, he started Bluestone Farms (currently operating as Justice Family Farms, LLC) in 1977. Justice is now the President and CEO of 83 different companies.
“I wanted to be West Virginia’s governor, because I know I can help,” said Justice. “I didn’t do this for me. I did it for the people of West Virginia. I’m thrilled that the people of West Virginia trust me, and I promise I won’t let them down.”
Justice will take over the governor’s office in January.
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