Senator Joe Manchin’s Potential Run as an Independent Shakes Up Senate Race

The race for control of the US Senate took an unexpected turn as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer discussed a last-ditch effort with Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia. The idea? Manchin running as an independent to hold on to his seat, despite his plans to retire from the Senate.

While Manchin dismissed the idea as a “long-shot scenario,” he did not completely rule out changing his mind before the August filing deadline. Democratic leaders are facing a tough Senate map and the likelihood of losing the West Virginia seat if Manchin steps down. If Manchin were to run as an independent, it could force national Republicans to divert resources to flip the seat red.

The potential for Manchin to reconsider his retirement plans comes as the Democratic nominee in West Virginia could be Don Blankenship, a former coal mining executive with a controversial past. Manchin’s allies believe he could have a path to victory if Blankenship faces off against Gov. Jim Justice in the GOP primary.

As the deadline approaches, Manchin remains focused on his work with his daughter on a new super PAC promoting centrist politics. His conversations with Schumer indicate that the possibility of running as an independent is not completely off the table.

With the primary on May 14 shaping up the race, all eyes are on West Virginia to see how the situation unfolds. Manchin’s decision could have significant implications for the balance of power in the Senate.