US Senator Jim Justice and West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey, both Republicans, do not have a friendly relationship despite sharing the same political party. The rift between the two has widened due to the recent sale of The Greenbrier and its Casino Club.
Recently, the West Virginia Lottery Commission granted approval to New York-based Kennedy Lewis Investment Management (KLIM) as the majority owner of The Greenbrier. KLIM completed a 51% acquisition of the resort from the Justice family for $500 million, with the Justice family retaining 49% ownership in the resort.
The approval by the Lottery Commission ensures that The Greenbrier’s Casino Club will continue operating. The commission deemed the three KLIM designees suitable to hold a state-issued gaming license.
Acting Lottery Director David Bradley stated, “Our staff thoroughly reviewed this transaction, recognizing its significance and the importance of The Greenbrier to our state. KLIM’s ownership brings financial stability and integrity to The Greenbrier.”
The remaining two seats on the Greenbrier Holdco board will be filled by Justice family appointees, with one seat already occupied by Dr. Jill Justice, the senator’s daughter.
Political Heavyweights Clash
The Justice family’s purchase of The Greenbrier in 2009 saved the resort from bankruptcy. Despite allegations of mismanagement and deferred investments over the years, the Justice family’s efforts preserved jobs and upheld the state’s reputation.
Governor Morrisey, who took office after Justice, criticized the former owner’s financial management and expressed relief that Justice is no longer in 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 oversight, we will continue to monitor the casino and protect jobs in West Virginia,” Morrisey commented.
In response to Morrisey’s statements, Justice defended his family’s track record of creating jobs and investing in West Virginia’s economy. He emphasized The Greenbrier’s bright future with its new partner.
Justice’s post on X received significant engagement compared to Morrisey’s tweet, indicating a wider audience appeal for Justice’s perspective. The exchange between the two political figures continued with Morrisey challenging Justice’s financial decisions.
$500M Transaction Details
The KLIM investment in The Greenbrier allowed the resort to pay off debts and taxes, with the remaining funds allocated for repairs and maintenance. The detailed breakdown of the $500 million transaction is not publicly disclosed at this time.