Manchin Drops Re-election Bid, Leaving West Virginia Senate Seat Up for Grabs

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) announced on Thursday that he will not run for re-election in the Senate.

“When America is at her best, we get things done by putting country before party, working across the aisle, and finding common ground. Many times this approach has landed me in hot water, but the fight to unite has been well worth it,” he said in a video posted on X.

“After months of deliberation and long conversation with my family, I believe in my heart of hearts that I’ve accomplished what I set out to do for West Virginia. I’ve 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,” he added.

Manchin stated that he would instead focus on traveling around the country in order to gauge “interest to create a movement mobilizing the middle to bring Americans together”, appearing to refer to a potential third-party run for president.

It has been a privilege to serve the West Virginians, who have trusted me and worked with me to improve our state. “Thank you,” he replied.

He continued to bemoan the “divide” that exists between Democrats and Republicans in the United States, saying that Americans are “just plain tired” of the partisanship. He said that Americans share common values such as “family, freedom, and democracy” and that they believe that we can overcome challenges together.

He concluded by saying, “May God Bless America, West Virginia, and you all.”

Manchin, ranked by one nonprofit organization as the most bipartisan senator in the U.S., is also known for his centrism. His often tense relationship between him and his party has led to speculation that he may be interested in running as an independent or third-party presidential candidate.

He attended a “No Labels ” event in New Hampshire during the summer. This caused some Democrats to be concerned that he would mount a spoiler campaign similar to the late Texas industrialist Ross Perot’s 1992 campaign.

At the time, he told reporters his participation at the event was not a formal indication of third-party intentions, However, he later added that he’s “never ruled out anything or [ruled] in anything… this is strictly a conference we’re having.”