Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) announced on Thursday that he will not seek reelection in 2024.
“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 said in a statement. “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.”
Manchin also posted a video statement on X.
“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,” he wrote.
Manchin’s decision comes after the Democrat senator indicated he would announce whether or not he intends to run for president within the next three months, fueling speculation that another top Democrat might challenge President Joe Biden in 2024.
During an interview with Shannon Bream on “Fox News Sunday” last month, Manchin was asked about his potential decision to run as a third-party candidate in next year’s election.
“Why not have options? People aren’t satisfied right now,” the West Virginia senator responded.
Asked if he was going to announce his decision during Sunday’s interview, Manchin answered, “Not this morning. Let me just say this. I’ll do it. I’m more concerned about the country right now. What you’ve seen, the theatrics that played out yesterday and up until yesterday, it’s ridiculous.”
This was a breaking news story. The details were periodically updated as more information became available.
