The most vulnerable Democrat in the United States Senate is not running for reelection.
Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) made the bombshell announcement Thursday afternoon, shortly before 3 p.m. EST. The development means the winner of the coming Republican primary will most likely become the Mountain State's next senator.
“I have made one of the toughest decisions of my life, and decided that I will not be running for reelection to the United States Senate,” Manchin said in a video posted to X.
But he vowed to stay active in politics.
The move comes as a deep blow to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, who considered Manchin integral to retaining their narrow majority.
Governor Jim Justice, Congressman Alexander Mooney and Zane Lawhorn are competing in the GOP primary scheduled for May 14, 2024.
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