Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia announced on Friday that he has decided against running for president, ending months of speculation about a potential bid that could have significantly impacted the 2024 campaign.
In a speech, Manchin stated, “I will not be seeking a third-party run. I will not be involved in a presidential run.” He emphasized his commitment to ensuring that the next president is someone with the knowledge, passion, and ability to unite the country.
While Manchin acknowledged that a third-party candidacy could be viable in the future, he deemed it “very challenging” for this election cycle. He expressed a desire not to be a “deal-breaker” or a “spoiler” in the presidential race.
“I just don’t think it’s the right time,” Manchin explained. “We’re on a real teetering situation here that could go either way. Democracy is at stake right now.”
Last November, Manchin announced that he would not seek re-election to his Senate seat this year, leading to speculation that he might enter the presidential race as an independent or third-party candidate.
Many Democrats were concerned that a Manchin candidacy could siphon votes away from President Joe Biden, potentially benefiting former President Donald Trump, the leading candidate for the 2024 Republican nomination, in a general election.
