Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia has announced that he will not run for reelection in 2024, dealing a blow to the Democratic party’s chances of maintaining control of the Senate next year. The moderate Democrat made the announcement via social media on Thursday, stating that after months of deliberation and conversations with his family, he has decided not to seek reelection.
Manchin’s decision not to run again in a deeply red state puts Democrats in a difficult position, as they will be defending seats in other competitive states. Montana Senator Steve Daines, who chairs the National Republican Senatorial Committee, wasted no time in stating, “We like our odds in West Virginia,” following Manchin’s announcement.
While he will not be seeking reelection, Manchin made it clear that he will not be leaving politics altogether. He expressed a desire to travel the country and speak out, exploring the possibility of creating a movement to mobilize the middle and bring Americans together. This has led to speculation about Manchin’s future plans, with earlier rumors of a potential third-party presidential campaign.
Throughout his time in Washington, Manchin has often found himself at odds with members of his own party, including President Joe Biden. Despite this, Biden paid tribute to Manchin in a statement on Thursday, highlighting their collaborative efforts in achieving key legislative wins for the American people.
As a moderate who has worked to find compromise across the aisle, Manchin’s departure from the Senate could have significant implications for the future of politics in West Virginia and beyond. His absence will undoubtedly be felt in the Senate, as his willingness to reject extremism and seek bipartisan solutions has been a distinctive characteristic of his tenure.
Manchin, a former governor of West Virginia, was first elected to the Senate in 2010. His decision not to seek reelection will undoubtedly impact the upcoming midterm elections and the future makeup of the Senate.