(TheRedAlertNews.com) – In a surprise development opening a vital window of opportunity for the GOP, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, a moderate Democrat who has been restraining the far left’s socialist excesses, has announced that he will not seek re-election in 2024 but would explore a centrist movement.
Manchin (D-WV) made public his decision about ending his Senate career in a video address (SEE BELOW) released on Thursday.
The West Virginia Democrat has been a member of the Senate since 2010, when he won a special by-election, and is presently serving out the remainder of his second six-year term, third term overall.
“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,” the senator declared.
“I will not be running for re-election to the U.S. 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,” he announced further, as cited by National Review.
The report notes that Manchin, who would have been 77 at the next election, faced challenging re-election prospects.
Recent polls showed his likely Republican opponent, West Virginia’s Governor Jim Justice, leading significantly.
In October, former President Trump endorsed Justice. Despite this, Manchin has not dismissed the possibility of a presidential bid.
The Review points out that West Virginia is pivotal in the Republican Party’s strategy to retake the U.S. Senate.
The current Senate balance stands at 51–49 in favor of the Democrats, making Manchin’s seat vital for maintaining their slim majority.
Steve Daines, Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, expressed confidence in the Republicans’ chances in West Virginia following Manchin’s announcement.
“We like our odds in West Virginia,” Daines told NBC News.
It is noted that in recent years, Manchin has opposed the Democratic Party’s shift towards more progressivist, radical left policies, particularly regarding the filibuster and Supreme Court reform and expanding abortion “rights.”
“I know our country isn’t as divided as Washington wants us to believe. We share common values of family, freedom, democracy, dignity and a belief that together we can overcome any challenge. The majority of Americans are just plain worn out,” the senator declared in his video address.
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: pic.twitter.com/dz8JuXAyTL
— Senator Joe Manchin (@Sen_JoeManchin) November 9, 2023
