Senator Joe Manchin, a Democrat from West Virginia, declared on Thursday that he will not run for office again in 2024.
Creating an opportunity for Republicans to potentially win a Senate seat in the typically GOP-leaning state, Manchin, aged 76, attributed his decision to months of careful consideration and family discussions.
Democratic Setback in West Virginia
In a statement, Manchin expressed his belief that he had accomplished his goals for West Virginia, declaring, “I will not be running for re-election to the United States Senate, but 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.”
While Manchin’s decision was not entirely unexpected, it deals a significant blow to Democratic hopes of retaining the Senate seat in a state that has shifted reliably red in recent years, particularly during the tenure of former President Donald Trump.
Manchin’s departure also sparks speculation about his potential national political ambitions, with hints at a 2024 presidential campaign, possibly as an independent candidate. A group has even filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to form a draft committee pushing for a third-party presidential bid involving Manchin and retiring Utah Senator Mitt Romney.
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Manchin-Romney Presidential Ticket
The senator’s exit further complicates the Democratic Party’s efforts to maintain its slim 51-49 majority in the Senate, as 2024 was already shaping up to be a challenging election cycle. The party will need to defend 23 seats, including those held by independents and Democrats in states won by Trump in 2020, compared to just 10 seats for Republicans.
Republican challengers, including GOP Rep. Alex Mooney and popular two-term Governor Jim Justice, have long eyed Manchin’s seat. Justice, endorsed by Trump, acknowledged the policy differences but expressed gratitude for Manchin’s years of public service.
The draft committee advocating for a Manchin-Romney presidential ticket plans to launch publicly next week, promoting the idea of bringing America Back on Track under the No Labels movement.
The group aims to raise $1 million for polling to demonstrate the viability of a Romney-Manchin ticket, anticipating a decision on the nomination at the March 2024 convention in Dallas.
Manchin’s departure from the Senate not only reshapes West Virginia’s political landscape but also adds an intriguing dimension to the national political scene.
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