Sen. Joe Manchin Teases “Long-Shot Scenario” to Reconsider Retirement, Shaking Up West Virginia Senate Race
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) is once again keeping the political world on its toes with his latest tease of a “long-shot scenario” to reconsider his retirement as West Virginia’s senior senator. The 76-year-old Democrat had previously discussed the possibility of making a late entry into the Senate race as an independent, with the backing of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), but has since stated that it is unlikely to happen.
However, Democratic sources with knowledge of Manchin’s thinking suggest that he could change his mind if Don Blankenship, a controversial former West Virginia coal executive, wins the Democratic primary in the state. Blankenship, who was found guilty of conspiring to violate federal safety standards at a coal mine where 29 people died in a 2010 explosion, filed paperwork to run as a Democrat in the seat being vacated by Manchin.
Manchin admitted that his thinking could change if Blankenship becomes the nominee and faces off against Republican front-runner Gov. Jim Justice (R-WV). Democratic strategist Jon Reinish believes that Manchin getting into the race could provide Democrats and independents in the state with an alternative option, especially if Blankenship is the Democratic nominee.
While Manchin has until the Aug. 1 filing deadline to make a final decision, his potential entry into the race as an independent could shake up the Senate race in West Virginia, which many had already counted as a win for Republicans after Manchin announced his retirement. With the Senate map in 2024 favoring Republicans, a late entry by Manchin could make the cycle much more interesting and force Republicans to divert resources to the state.
Overall, the possibility of Sen. Joe Manchin reconsidering his retirement and entering the West Virginia Senate race as an independent has the potential to change the dynamics of the upcoming election and keep political observers on the edge of their seats.
