Senator Joe Manchin Will Not Seek Re-election, Potentially Threatens Democratic Control of Senate

Manchin's retirement decision leaves open a seat in a deeply red state and he explores a potential third-party presidential bid, heightening concerns about Democratic Senate majority in 2024 elections.

Democratic Senator Joe Manchin III announced that he will not seek re-election, potentially jeopardizing the Democrats' hold on the Senate due to his seat's location in the deeply Republican state of West Virginia.
Manchin, known for bipartisan deal-making, has stated that he will explore pursuing a centrist third-party bid for the presidency, a prospect that has raised concern among Democrats fearing it could hinder President Biden's chances of staying in the White House.
Manchin's retirement likely opens the way for a strong Republican challenger in West Virginia, where Donald J. Trump won by about 39 percentage points in 2020, signalling a shift in the state's political landscape.
Despite being challenged by members of his own party over his conservative stance and support for fossil fuels, Manchin played a crucial role during his tenure in shaping significant laws and has often brokered deals with mainstream Republicans.
Manchin’s departure, coupled with the potential loss of the Senate seat to the Republicans, could significantly impact Democrats' Senate majority in the 2024 election as the party will be defending 23 seats, including three held by independents.