This came out of left field.
Moderate Democrat Sen. Joe Manchin from West Virginia announced he won’t seek re-election:
MANCHIN: “Today West Virginia’s attracting more investment, opportunity and jobs than it has in decades. Here at home and across the country, we are building more roads, bridges, manufacturing plants and energy infrastructure than almost any time in America’s history. 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 reelection to the United States Senate. But what I will be doing is traveling the country and speaking out to see if there’s an interest in creating a movement to mobilize the middle and bring Americans together. To the West Virginians, who have put their trust in me and fought side by side to make our state better, it has been my honor of my life to serve you. Thank you.”
You could say that Manchin, like Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), has been a thorn in the Democrats’ side, especially since the Democrats have the slimmest majority.
While a Democrat, Manchin is a loud centrist voice. West Virginia is a red state. It’s a great opportunity for the Republicans to take the majority after blowing it in Pennsylvania.
Will Manchin stay out of politics? Doubtful.
Manchin has said he will not run for president as a third-party candidate.
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