Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia is once again keeping the people of his state on their toes with his indecisiveness about his political future. Despite switching his party affiliation from Democrat to independent, he has not declared his candidacy for any office yet. Manchin, at 76 years old, has hinted at the possibility of running for governor, the Senate, or even the U.S. presidency. While he has expressed his desire to leave the Senate in January and live a normal life, he has not ruled out the possibility of returning to politics.
Manchin’s recent career-changing moves have left many wondering about his next step. He announced his party registration switch in May, citing a desire to continue fighting for America’s sensible majority. He had previously considered running for president but ultimately decided against it. Manchin has been a senator since 2010 and has been a key player in several Biden administration initiatives. His decision not to run for reelection as a Democrat has left the door open for speculation about his future plans.
The prospect of Manchin running for governor has been a topic of discussion, given his popularity in the state. However, West Virginia has seen a shift towards the Republican Party in recent years, with former President Donald Trump winning the state in both the 2016 and 2020 elections. If Manchin were to run for governor, he would face tough competition from Republican Patrick Morrisey and Democrat Steve Williams. The decision to return to the governor’s office would also mean contending with Trump’s continued popularity in the state.
Without Manchin in the Senate race, Republicans are confident in their chances of winning his seat. Democrats are defending 23 seats, compared to just 10 for Republicans, making Manchin’s decision crucial for the party’s majority. His potential return to the Senate race as an independent would set up a challenging matchup against both the incumbent Republican governor and the Democratic nominee. Manchin’s fundraising efforts have been substantial, positioning him as a formidable candidate in any race.
While Manchin has considered various political paths, including running for governor or reelection as a senator, another option that has been speculated is a potential independent presidential run. However, missed filing deadlines in several states pose a challenge for such a run. Additionally, rumors have circulated about Manchin possibly taking on the role of West Virginia University President once the current president retires. The uncertainty surrounding Manchin’s future has kept the political landscape in West Virginia in a state of anticipation and intrigue.
