Sen. Joe Manchin Considering Potential Run for Governor of West Virginia
Sen. Joe Manchin, a Democrat from West Virginia, is causing a stir in the political world as rumors swirl about a potential run for governor of his home state. After being urged by a group of Republicans who oppose the GOP nominee, state Attorney General Patrick Morrissey, Manchin is reportedly considering throwing his hat in the ring.
Manchin, who previously served as the governor of West Virginia from 2005 to 2010 before being elected to the U.S. Senate, has not ruled out the possibility of running for governor as an independent. The speculation comes after at least 20 Republicans with financial resources have encouraged him to run, citing his successful tenure as governor.
However, the state Republican Party has fully endorsed Morrissey as their nominee, declaring their unity behind him in the upcoming election. Morrissey, who previously ran for Senate against Manchin and lost, has indicated that the party is united heading into the general election, despite facing opposition.
In response to the rumors, Manchin’s Democratic ally, Huntington Mayor Steve Williams, expressed doubt that Manchin would enter the race. Williams emphasized his long-standing friendship with Manchin and expressed skepticism about the rumors unless Manchin were to act in a deceptive manner.
While Manchin has hinted at a possible run for governor, he is not seeking reelection to the Senate. He joked with reporters that his only interest at the moment is returning home to West Virginia to escape the political turmoil in Washington, D.C. Despite the encouragement from some Republicans, it remains unclear whether Manchin will ultimately decide to enter the gubernatorial race against Morrissey and Williams in the upcoming election.
Manchin’s political future in West Virginia, a deeply red state, will likely depend on various factors, including his potential popularity among voters and his ability to bridge partisan divides. The possibility of a Manchin gubernatorial run adds an intriguing twist to the upcoming election and will be closely watched by political observers.
