Sen. Joe Manchin Under Pressure to Consider Gubernatorial Bid in West Virginia

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) is facing mounting pressure to consider a gubernatorial bid against his past rival, West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey (R), with just a week left to decide his political future.

Manchin, who previously served as governor of West Virginia from 2005 to 2010, is being encouraged by West Virginia Republicans to run for his old job in the governor’s mansion. This comes after Morrisey narrowly beat former state lawmaker Moore Capito, son of Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), in last week’s Republican gubernatorial primary.

Sources familiar with West Virginia’s political scene have indicated that there is significant interest from Republicans in Manchin running for governor. Hoppy Kercheval, a leading commentator on West Virginia politics, reported that sources close to Manchin have confirmed he is being encouraged to enter the race.

While Manchin has not ruled out a bid for governor, he would need to register as an independent or persuade the Democratic nominee for governor, Steve Williams, to step aside. The deadline for filing for an independent campaign is approaching, and Manchin must make a decision by the weekend.

Manchin’s potential entry into the governor’s race has sparked speculation and discussion among political analysts and fellow senators in Washington. Some have questioned his decision to retire from the U.S. Senate, wondering if he may have acted prematurely given the physical condition of current West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice, who is the Republican candidate for Senate.

The possibility of Manchin running for governor again has raised eyebrows and generated excitement in West Virginia politics, with many noting his high name recognition and popularity in the state. As the deadline for a decision approaches, all eyes are on Manchin as he weighs his options and considers a return to the governor’s mansion.