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. Manchin has thrown his support behind Glenn Elliott, the mayor of Wheeling, describing him as a candidate with the determination and vitality needed to serve in the U.S. Senate.
In a video released by Elliott’s campaign, Manchin praised Elliott’s record of job creation, crime reduction, and downtown revitalization in Wheeling. Manchin emphasized Elliott’s commitment to putting West Virginia and the country above partisan politics, stating that Elliott will always fight for the state’s best interests.
Manchin’s decision not to seek reelection in 2024 has left the Democratic Party facing challenges in holding onto the seat in deep-red West Virginia. The state, once reliably blue, has shifted to become one of former President Donald Trump’s strongest supporters.
Elliott, a lawyer and former legislative assistant to Senator Robert Byrd, acknowledged the tough road ahead in the Senate race. He will be competing against Marine Corps veteran Zach Shrewsbury and ex-coal executive Don Blankenship for the Democratic nomination. The winner will then face either Republican Governor Jim Justice or U.S. Rep. Alex Mooney in the general election.
Despite being a Democrat, Elliott is not afraid to speak out against his party when he believes it is 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 area.
Elliott believes that the success of former President Trump reflects the frustration of West Virginians who feel ignored by Washington. He emphasized the importance of listening to and addressing the concerns of residents in the region, who often feel disregarded by politicians.
Overall, Manchin’s endorsement of Elliott adds an interesting dynamic to the Senate race in West Virginia, setting the stage for a competitive primary and general election as the state navigates its political landscape.
