Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia has announced his decision to leave the Democratic Party and register as an independent. He will continue to caucus with Senate Democrats until the end of his term, and serves as the chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Manchin has always prioritized doing what is best for his state and nation, regardless of party or politics. He stated that since being elected to the US Senate in 2010, he has witnessed both the Republican and Democratic parties abandon West Virginia and the nation in favor of political extremism, endangering democracy.
Moderate Republicans, who are unhappy with the party's choice, state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, are pushing Manchin to run for governor of West Virginia. Manchin played down the rumors while refusing to completely reject them, mentioning his friendship with Huntington Mayor Steve Williams, the Democratic nominee. According to sources close to the senator, at least 20 Republicans "with financial resources" have urged Manchin to seek for governor.
Manchin has been inundated with requests to run for office after the publication of an article, which was published at the Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs. The state's current governor, Republican Jim Justice, is running for governor again due to term limits, owning the Greenbrier. Justice is the GOP's choice for Senate to succeed Manchin.
Manchin's surprise and abrupt decision to declare himself an independent leaves the door open for a potential run for the governor's house or perhaps a Senate reelection. He has a few more weeks to determine if he wants to run for the Senate or reclaim his former position as governor.
Moderate Republicans, who are unhappy with the party's choice, state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, are pushing Manchin to run for governor of West Virginia. Manchin played down the rumors while refusing to completely reject them, mentioning his friendship with Huntington Mayor Steve Williams, the Democratic nominee. According to sources close to the senator, at least 20 Republicans "with financial resources" have urged Manchin to seek for governor.
Manchin has been inundated with requests to run for office after the publication of an article, which was published at the Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs. The state's current governor, Republican Jim Justice, is running for governor again due to term limits, owning the Greenbrier. Justice is the GOP's choice for Senate to succeed Manchin.
Manchin's surprise and abrupt decision to declare himself an independent leaves the door open for a potential run for the governor's house or perhaps a Senate reelection. He has a few more weeks to determine if he wants to run for the Senate or reclaim his former position as governor.
