Outgoing Sen. Joe Manchin endorses Wheeling mayor in West Virginia Senate race
Outgoing U.S. Senator Joe Manchin has made a significant endorsement in the Democratic primary race for his seat representing West Virginia, throwing his support behind Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott. In a video released by Elliott’s campaign, Manchin praised Elliott’s track record of job creation, crime reduction, and downtown revitalization in the city of Wheeling.
Manchin, the only Democrat holding statewide office in deep-red West Virginia, emphasized Elliott’s determination and commitment to putting the needs of the state and country above partisan politics. The 76-year-old senator announced last year that he would not seek reelection in 2024, citing the divisive nature of Congress and its impact on the country.
Elliott, a lawyer and former legislative assistant to the late U.S. Senator Robert Byrd, faces tough competition in the Democratic primary from Marine Corps veteran Zach Shrewsbury and ex-coal executive Don Blankenship. The winner will go on to challenge either Republican Governor Jim Justice or U.S. Rep. Alex Mooney in the general election.
Despite his Democratic affiliation, Elliott is not afraid to speak out against proposals from his party that he believes are not in the best interest of West Virginia. He has expressed support for President Joe Biden’s economic development initiatives, including the bipartisan infrastructure bill that allocated $33 million to revamp Wheeling’s downtown streetscape.
Elliott acknowledged the frustration felt by many West Virginians who believe they have been ignored by Washington, pointing to former President Donald Trump’s success as a reflection of that sentiment. He emphasized the importance of listening to and addressing the concerns of residents in the region often referred to as “flyover country.”
With Manchin’s endorsement and a strong platform focused on economic development and community revitalization, Glenn Elliott is positioning himself as a formidable contender in the race for the Senate seat in West Virginia.
