Joe Manchin Announces He Will Not Run for President in 2024

West Virginia Senator Decides Against Third Term

Highly Critical of Former President Donald Trump

After months of speculation, West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin has announced that he will not be running for president in 2024. The Democrat, who has been highly critical of former President Donald Trump, made the announcement on Friday.

In a statement, Manchin said that he had "given careful consideration" to running for president but ultimately decided against it. He said that he would instead focus on his work in the Senate, where he serves as chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

"After much introspection, I have concluded that I will not be seeking a third term as your United States Senator," Manchin said in a statement. "I will continue to serve as your Senator until the end of my term and remain committed to fighting for West Virginia in the U.S. Senate."

Manchin's decision is a setback for Democrats, who are hoping to regain control of the Senate in 2024. Republicans currently hold a 53-47 advantage in the Senate, and Manchin's decision not to run means that they will have a better chance of holding onto their majority.