Nearly three dozen members of Congress have announced plans to retire or seek another office next year.

The 34 members include Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), who recently announced that he would not seek another term in the Senate.

A Flood of Retirements in Congress Threatens to Upend the 2024 Election https://t.co/38varx3XZw

— Carol RN *Miss Rush & the Gipper* 👩‍⚕️🇺🇸 🇮🇱🦈 (@pasqueflower19) November 18, 2023

The issue

"Few retirements in Congress will lead to that kind of a decisive difference. Since most Congressmen are already in non-competitive districts, a retirement won't matter in many districts," PJ Media reported.

"But there's still the known commodity vs. the unknown candidate. The known commodity is a proven fundraiser and vote-getter. So even with a high partisan lean in a district carried by Joe Biden, there's no guarantee a Democratic candidate will prevail," it added.

How a flood of congressional retirements is rocking the 2024 elections https://t.co/LVGJC7gxyK

— POLITICO (@politico) November 18, 2023

Dem struggles

"In most cases, retirements deprive their party of a proven fundraiser and vote-getter. And several recent retirements are injecting fresh uncertainty into the tight battles for control of each chamber in 2024," Politico reported.

"Over the past few weeks, Democrats have lost a three-time winner in ruby-red West Virginia and a handful of swing-district House members who had success in competitive territory," it continued.

Anyone believe Manchin will be replaced by a MAGA whacko? Half a Dem is better than a whole Republican.https://t.co/h4FqdXWynr(D%2DW.,in%20a%20deep%20red%20state.

— Fruitvale Local (@fruitvalelocal) November 18, 2023

Manchin out

"Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) announced Thursday that he will not seek reelection to the Senate in 2024, almost certainly handing Republicans a seat in next year’s elections in a deep red state," the Hill reported earlier this month.

“After months of deliberation and long conversations with my family, I believe in my heart of hearts that I have accomplished what I set out to do for West Virginia. I have made one of the toughest decisions of my life and decided that I will not be running for re-election to the United States Senate,” Manchin said.

Manchin's departure could lead to a conservative takeover in the Senate, with the state's GOP governor currently holding a large lead in polls.

In Arizona, Kari Lake is also running to pick up another GOP seat in a move that could shift the power in Congress.

A lot can still happen but the large number of retirements could be good news for Republicans in 2024.