Outgoing Sen. Joe Manchin endorses Wheeling mayor in West Virginia Senate race

Outgoing U.S. Senator Joe Manchin Endorses Mayor of Wheeling in Democratic Primary Race for Senate Seat

In a surprising move, outgoing U.S. Senator Joe Manchin has endorsed the mayor of Wheeling, Glenn Elliott, in the Democratic primary race for his Senate seat representing deep-red West Virginia. Manchin, who is the only Democrat holding statewide office in the state, praised Elliott’s determination, vigor, and vitality in a video released by Elliott’s campaign.

Manchin highlighted Elliott’s record of creating jobs, lowering crime rates, and revitalizing downtown Wheeling, a city of around 26,000 residents on the Ohio River in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. He emphasized Elliott’s commitment to putting the country and state before partisan politics, stating that Elliott will always fight for West Virginia.

The 76-year-old Manchin announced late last year that he would not seek reelection in 2024, citing the growing animosity between political parties in Congress as a reason for his decision. His departure from the Senate seat has raised concerns for Democrats hoping to hold onto the coal country seat in West Virginia, a state that has become increasingly loyal to former President Donald Trump.

Elliott, a lawyer who has served as Wheeling mayor since 2016, acknowledged the uphill battle he faces in the Senate race. To secure the Democratic nomination on May 14, he will need to outperform opponents Marine Corps veteran Zach Shrewsbury and ex-coal executive Don Blankenship. The Democratic nominee will then face either Republican Governor Jim Justice or U.S. Representative Alex Mooney in the general election.

Elliott, who previously worked as a legislative assistant to the late U.S. Senator Robert Byrd, expressed his Democratic values rooted in supporting the underdog and the role of unions in building the American middle class. He also noted his willingness to speak out against proposals from his party that he believes are not in the best interest of West Virginia.

Elliott voiced his support for President Joe Biden’s economic development initiatives, particularly the bipartisan infrastructure bill that allocated $33 million to revamp Wheeling’s downtown streetscape. He acknowledged the frustration felt by West Virginians who believe Washington is not listening to their concerns, a sentiment that contributed to Trump’s success in the state.

As the Democratic primary race heats up, all eyes will be on Glenn Elliott as he vies for the Senate seat once held by Joe Manchin, a pivotal moment in West Virginia’s political landscape.

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Leah Willingham, The Associated Press