The senator’s move significantly boosts the chances of the GOP flipping the West Virginia seat.
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) announced that he won’t run for reelection in 2024, possibly capping off a 25-year career that has included taking the slings and arrows of both sides of the political and ideological spectrum, although he didn’t close the door to seeking higher office.
Mr. Manchin, 76, made his announcement in a video posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
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
“After months of deliberation and long conversation with my family, I believe in my heart of hearts that I have accomplished what I have set out to do for West Virginia,” he said. “I have made one of the toughest decisions of my life and decided that I will not be running for reelection to the United States Senate.”
The centrist senator’s decision to not seek reelection is a blow to Democrats, who are projected by analysts to lose the Senate next year as they’ll need to defend as many as 10 vulnerable seats. Mr. Manchin, who has been in the Senate for more than 13 years, has been seen as a possible third-party presidential candidate.
“What I will be doing is traveling the country and speaking out to see if there is an interest in creating a movement to mobilize the middle and bring Americans together,” he said, possibly a reference to a presidential run.
Mr. Manchin has been pegged as a potential contender for the “No Labels” group, a politically centrist organization plotting a third-party run. Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), another Senate moderate who’s stepping down after this Congress, has also been considered for that ticket.
Mr. Manchin has said that he would decide by the end of the year whether to mount a White House run.
His decision to step down from the upper chamber, where he has served since 2010, comes amid a tough reelection battle.
Although state offices were once dominated by Democrats in the coal-rich state, in recent decades, West Virginia has become a dark-red Republican stronghold. Mr. Manchin, through his moderate positions—appreciated by Republicans and a cause of constant tension with progressive Democrats—managed to hold onto his seat even as the rest of his state turned red.
By Jackson Richman and Joseph Lord
