Politics

Sen. Jim Justice, WV Gov. Patrick Morrisey Exchange Jabs Over Greenbrier Deal

Posted on: August 27, 2026, 08:05h.

Last updated on: August 27, 2026, 09:23h.

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Devin O'Connor Devin O'Connor is a senior reporter for Casino.org, covering politics, casino business, and gaming news. Devin came on board with Casino.org in 2014...
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Key Points

West Virginia regulators approved Kennedy Lewis Investment Management as the controlling owner of The Greenbrier
Gov. Patrick Morrisey praised the deal for bringing financial stability, prompting a sharp response from Sen. Jim Justice, who defended his family’s role in saving the resort
The deal will pay off more than $300 million owed to Omni Hotels, settle outstanding taxes, and provide funds for repairs and maintenance

US Sen. Jim Justice (R-WV) and West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey (R) may share a political party, but their longstanding rivalry has reached a new boiling point over the future of The Greenbrier resort and its Casino Club.

Jim Justice Greenbrier West Virginia — US Sen. Jim Justice talks on the phone inside the United States Capitol subway system on April 22, 2026, in Washington, DC. Justice recently sold a majority stake in The Greenbrier, the luxury resort in West Virginia that his family has owned since 2009. (Image: Getty)

On Wednesday (Aug. 26), the West Virginia Lottery Commission unanimously approved New York-based Kennedy Lewis Investment Management (KLIM) as the controlling owner of The Greenbrier.

The institutional alternative investment firm recently completed its 51% acquisition of the historic resort in White Sulphur Springs from the Justice family for $500 million. The Justice family retains 49% ownership in “America’s Resort.”

The West Virginia Lottery Commission’s approval ensures The Greenbrier’s Casino Club will remain open. Regulators deemed three designees from Kennedy Lewis Investment Management (KLIM) suitable to hold a state gaming license under the resort’s new parent company, Greenbrier Holdco, LLC.

“Our staff looked at this and spent a lot of time on this. It was a huge transaction. It was a lot of paperwork. It was a lot of information. The Greenbrier is a crown jewel of our state. The main thing is that they (KLIM) bring stability and financial integrity to The Greenbrier,” said acting Lottery Director David Bradley.

The two other seats on the Greenbrier Holdco board will be held by Justice family appointees. Dr. Jill Justice, the senator’s daughter, will occupy one seat, while the other has yet to be determined.

Political Heavyweights Exchange Blows

The Justice family rescued The Greenbrier in bankruptcy in 2009. Using the family’s coal mining wealth, the Justice family turned around the resort, saving thousands of jobs and keeping the state’s crown jewel shining.

However, over the years, critics of the Justice family have alleged that The Greenbrier has not been properly maintained, with needed investments deferred and resort funds transferred or loaned to other companies owned by the Justices.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey, who succeeded Justice last year, wasted no time targeting his predecessor’s fiscal record. Now, he is making no secret of his relief that Justice has lost majority control of The Greenbrier.

I am hopeful that the new controlling owner will bring much needed financial stability to the iconic Greenbrier. While The Greenbrier remains under the Lottery Commission’s financial watch, our administration will continue its monitoring of the casino and remain vigilant in our ongoing efforts to protect West Virginia jobs,” Morrisey said.

Justice immediately fired back.

Patrick seems awfully eager to take shots at people who actually take risks, build businesses, and create jobs in West Virginia. I’ve spent my life doing exactly that — signing the front of paychecks for thousands of West Virginians, not just collecting one. My family saved The Greenbrier, invested hundreds of millions of dollars in West Virginia, and helped put thousands of people to work. Now the resort has a strong new partner and a bright future. Patrick can keep playing politics. We’ll keep building,” Justice said.

As of Thursday morning (Aug. 27), Justice’s post on X had racked up over 125,000 views and 235 likes. In contrast, Morrisey’s response drew under 5,000 views and just 25 likes.

Morrisey didn’t allow the bickering to end there.

“I wish you the best, but you can’t blame me or anyone else for your financial mismanagement in losing The Greenbrier. I hope you’ll join the Greenbrier’s new leadership and me in keeping jobs in West Virginia while restoring the resort to its former glory,” the governor said in response to Justice’s post.

$500M Details

KLIM’s investment allows The Greenbrier to settle its debt with Omni Hotels, which acquired a $289.5 million loan on the resort and attempted to force the property into receivership when it went unpaid following its April 1 maturity. While the exact final payoff including accrued interest remains undisclosed, the total is reported to exceed $300 million.

The KLIM money will also be used to pay outstanding federal, state, and county taxes. The remaining funds will be allocated for resort repairs and maintenance.