- The 76-year-old West Virginia lawmaker released a shocking video statement
- He said his decision to run again in 2024 was “one of the most difficult of his life.”
- “I know our country is not as divided as DC would have us believe,” Manchin said
- The Democrat has been touted as a potential candidate on the no-label list
Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin has announced he will not run for re-election in West Virginia in 2024, a surprise move that could open the door to a presidential run.
Manchin released a shocking video statement Thursday in which he said he wanted to “fight to unify the middle” and close the “growing divide” between the two major parties.
The 76-year-old said most Americans are “just exhausted” by Washington and now he’s focused on finding “common ground.”
“I know our country is not as divided as Washington would have us believe,” he said, citing problems with the economy, the border and “crippling” policies.
Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin has announced he will not run for re-election in West Virginia in 2024, a surprise move that could open the door to a presidential run
The senator has been a thorn in the side of the Biden administration and has frequently voted with Republicans on Democratic-led bills
Manchin is widely touted as a potential presidential candidate for No Labels, a moderate third-party group that wants to find a middle ground.
He could also run alone as a Democrat or as an independent on a third-party ticket.
The senator has been a thorn in the side of the Biden administration and has frequently voted with Republicans on Democratic-led bills.
Donald Trump immediately seized on Manchin’s exit, claiming his support for Republican candidate Jim Justice had given him an unassailable lead in the polls.
“Because I supported Big Jim Justice of West Virginia for the U.S. Senate and he has taken a commanding lead, Democrat Joe Manchin has decided not to run for re-election.” “Looking good for Big Jim!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
But Manchin’s future has long been the focus of speculation and has dodged questions in interviews about his next career move.
In the clip released Thursday, he said he now plans to travel across the U.S. and speak to voters who are frustrated with the government.
The 76-year-old said most Americans are “just exhausted” by Washington and now he’s focused on finding “common ground.”
West Virginia Senator (D) Joe Manchin III is flanked by his wife Gayle as he is sworn in by Vice President Mike Pence during the re-enactment of the swearing-in of recently elected senators in the Old Senate Chamber on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on January 3, 2019 .Manchin helped push a key nominee through committee on Thursday
“After months of reflection and long conversations with my family, I believe in my heart that I have accomplished what I set out to do for West Virginia.
“I have made one of the most difficult decisions of my life and decided that I will not run for re-election to the U.S. Senate but will travel the country and speak out to see if there is interest in creating a movement.” to mobilize the center and bring Americans together.
“Our economy is not working for many Americans because of the rising costs of food and fuel and everything in between,” he said.
“We have a border crisis with illegal drugs making their way abroad and killing Americans every day.”
“Our national debt is out of control and Americans don’t feel safe even in their own communities.”
“I know that our country is not as divided as Washington would have us believe.” “We share common values of family, freedom, democracy, dignity and the belief that together we can overcome any challenge,” he added.
“We must take back America and not allow this divisive hatred to drive us further apart.”
Joe Manchin will NOT seek re-election in West Virginia: Democratic senator announces shocking move regarding his future