Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) has reportedly changed his mind on multiple occasions about running for reelection in 2024.
Manchin’s concerns also include the potential of West Virginia Republican Gov. Jim Justice rumored to run against him in the Senate.
…Joe needs to go…
Manchin ‘changed his mind multiple times’ about running again as fundraising stalls https://t.co/EXi4XxAqg9
— Is “Big Mike” Really A Man (@realGregKarnes) February 25, 2023
The report
“He doesn’t want to go out a loser,” one person close to Manchin told Puck News. “He’s paying very close attention to what Justice does.”
“For all of the problems he’s caused, he’s a political anomaly and a real asset to Democrats,” the source told the outlet.
Manchin changes his mind almost daily on whether he wants to run for reelection. He wants to end his career on his own terms rather than in a mudfight with his friend turned enemy Jim Justice https://t.co/eipVj7P0pa
— Tara Palmeri (@tarapalmeri) February 24, 2023
The reelection reality
Manchin faces the potential of a strong Republican threat if he runs again in 2024. In addition, he has already ruled out a run for governor in his home state.
“Manchin is one of several Democratic senators facing difficult reelection bids in Republican-leaning states in 2024. Sens. Jon Tester (D-MT) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) are also expected to face fierce challenges from GOP candidates,” the Washington Examiner reported.
“Polling has shown Justice with a significant advantage over Manchin in a hypothetical Senate matchup. A recent poll showed him up 52% to 42%,” it added.
Jim Justice crushes Joe Manchin in 2024 Senate contest: Poll https://t.co/wq46cseYsA
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) February 15, 2023
The concerning options have led Manchin to reportedly continue looking at a potential White House run, despite President Joe Biden expected to run for reelection.
If so, he would likely struggle to gain momentum, with the majority of Democrats supporting Biden while gaining a small number of more moderate Democrats or Independent voters.
Manchin has also been a concern among those in his own party as he has pushed against several pieces of legislation to maintain a more moderate view.
The end could be near for Manchin’s political career without a presidential bid to add to his resume, leading the longtime senator to allegedly keep the door open to a run despite the longshot attempt. If so, he’ll add to recent challenger Marianne Williamson as another Democrat seeking to unseat the current president.