Democratic Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia on Thursday announced he will not run for reelection in 2024.
Given the perception that West Virginia is a deep red state, Manchin’s decision would likely be seen by Republicans as a chance to take the seat he has held since 2010.
“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,” Manchin said in a statement.
He continued: “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. 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.”
Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
Julián Castro, a member in former President Barack Obama’s Cabinet and a Democratic candidate for president in 2020, reacted to the news on X (formerly Twitter).
“Joe Manchin’s retirement almost certainly means Democrats will lose the WV Senate seat,” Castro wrote. “You know where they can pick one up this time? In Texas by defeating Ted Cruz next November. Best pickup opportunity on the map this cycle.”
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.