Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced Thursday he will not seek reelection in 2024.
“To the West Virginians who have put their trust in me and fought side by side to make our state better – it has been an honor of my life to serve you. Thank you,” Manchin wrote.
“I will not seek re-election, I will fight to united the middle,” he added.
WATCH:
To the West Virginians who have put their trust in me and fought side by side to make our state better – it has been an honor of my life to serve you. Thank you. My statement on my political future: pic.twitter.com/dz8JuXAyTL
— Senator Joe Manchin (@Sen_JoeManchin) November 9, 2023
West Virginia has trended red in recent years and Republicans have a huge opportunity to snag the U.S. Senate seat in the 2024 election.
“I’m the happiest guy in the world. Republicans, let’s pick up this Senate seat,” Scott Presler commented.
I’m the happiest guy in the world.
Republicans, let’s pick up this Senate seat.
+1
— ThePersistence (@ScottPresler) November 9, 2023
“The Senate can be won, folks. Need more pressure now on OH, MT, and AZ,” Charlie Kirk said.
BREAKING: Sen. Joe Manchin (R-WV) announces he will NOT seek re-election.
The Senate can be won, folks. Need more pressure now on OH, MT, and AZ.
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) November 9, 2023
NBC News reports:
The decision by Manchin, a former governor who was elected to the Senate in a 2010 special election, all but assures Republicans a pickup in the ruby-red state of West Virginia, where Manchin has defied political gravity for years by keeping the seat in his party’s hands.
Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., the chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said in a terse statement: “We like our odds in West Virginia.”
Gov. Jim Justice and Rep. Alex Mooney are both already running for the Republican nomination for the seat.
In terms of Manchin’s future, a source with direct knowledge of his plans told NBC News: “No specific decisions have been made other than a commitment to find a way to change the country’s political dialogue.”
Asked if Manchin is considering running for president — including as a Democrat, an independent or as a No Labels candidate — the source replied, “Nothing is off the table.”
“Because I Endorsed Big Jim Justice of West Virginia for the U.S. Senate, and he has taken a commanding lead, Democrat Joe Manchin has decided not to seek re-election. Looking good for Big Jim!” Donald Trump commented.