Democratic Candidates Emerge in Race for Manchin’s Senate Seat

The retirement of U.S. Senator Joe Manchin has created a Democratic hole on the ballot in West Virginia, with attention now turning to potential candidates to fill his seat. With most of the focus on the Republican primary, Democratic leaders are gearing up for a competitive race.

One candidate already in the race is Zachary Shrewsbury, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and community organizer who filed for the U.S. Senate in October. Shrewsbury is running as a progressive, advocating for issues such as a $15 minimum wage, universal healthcare, and environmental justice.

Another potential candidate is Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott, who is seriously considering a U.S. Senate run after discussions with fellow mayors. Elliott, who is approaching the end of his second term as mayor, has a background as a lawyer, economic development enthusiast, and preservationist.

The candidate filing period for West Virginia’s primary election begins in January, with the party primaries taking place in May. Democratic leaders are confident that they will find a strong candidate to compete for Manchin’s seat, despite the odds favoring a Republican pick-up. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.