West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin announced on Friday that he would not be running for president, citing his desire not to disrupt the electoral process. Speaking at West Virginia University, Manchin emphasized his commitment to supporting a presidential candidate who can unify the country.
Manchin, known for his centrist views within the Democratic Party, had been contemplating a presidential bid and previously indicated that he would assess the viability of a third-party candidacy by March. However, he ultimately decided against it, acknowledging the current challenges facing such a campaign.
The decision not to run comes at a time when the organization No Labels, which advocates for independent candidates, has been exploring potential contenders for the 2024 presidential election. Manchin had been considered a top candidate for such an effort.
Having announced that he will not seek reelection to the Senate in 2024, Manchin’s seat is expected to be highly contested by Republicans in the upcoming election.
As the lone Democrat holding statewide office in West Virginia, Manchin has often found himself at odds with his party on issues like energy, particularly regarding his support for the coal and fossil fuel industries.
Manchin’s role in the Senate has been pivotal, particularly given the Democrats’ slim majority. His influence has been instrumental in shaping legislation and tempering some of President Joe Biden’s more ambitious policy proposals.
Following his decision, No Labels expressed support for Manchin’s efforts to promote unity in American politics. The organization is currently in talks with several potential candidates for a presidential Unity ticket and expects to announce its decision in the coming weeks.
Manchin’s announcement also comes amid speculation about other potential candidates, including Democratic Representative Dean Phillips, who has expressed interest in running on a No Labels ticket. However, Phillips is currently challenging Biden in the Democratic primaries.
Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, another candidate considered by No Labels, recently ruled out a 2024 presidential bid in favor of a Senate run.
Despite efforts to recruit candidates, including speculation about former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, many Americans remain uncertain about the potential major-party candidates, including Biden and former President Donald Trump, according to a recent poll.
In response to Manchin’s decision, the Biden reelection campaign praised the senator for his partnership in advancing the administration’s legislative agenda. While it remains unclear if Biden and Manchin have discussed the senator’s decision not to run, their collaboration on issues like infrastructure has been lauded.
