United States Senator Joe Manchin, a Democrat representing West Virginia, declared on Thursday that he will not seek reelection in 2024.
In his announcement video Thursday, Manchin said, “After months of deliberation and long conversations with my family, I believe in my heart of hearts that I have accomplished what I set out to do for West Virginia. I have made one of the toughest decisions of my life and decided that I will not be running for re-election to the United States Senate,”
Manchin has been a hurdle but also a saving grace in the Democratic Party, maintaining a spot in West Virginia, that would have given Republicans a majority in the 2020-2022 Senate session.
However, Manchin has regularly butted heads with members of the party, blocking Joe Biden’s Build Back Better plan and a federal $15 minimum wage.
In August, Manchin had considered leaving the Democratic Party to become an Independent. This fueled speculation of a potential run for the Presidency in 2024 as an Independent.
The speculation of a presidential campaign only grew Thursday. His announcement of not seeking reelection titled on X, formerly Twitter, “I Will Not Seek Re-Election, I Will Fight To Unite The Middle” with the description saying, “I know our country isn’t as divided as Washington wants us to believe. We share common values of family, freedom, democracy, dignity and a belief that together we can overcome any challenge.”
Manchin announced in the video that he will be touring the United States to see if there is interest in “creating a movement to mobilize the middle and bring Americans together.”
Manchin’s announcement will put pressure on Democrats, as Manchin’s seat will most certainly go to a Republican in the deep red state. The Democratic majority in the Senate is at risk as numerous Democrats face reelection, especially in key swing states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan and Arizona.
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