Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) has reportedly "changed his mind multiple times" about running for reelection in 2024, and his fundraising numbers continue to stall.
Manchin is uncertain about running because of the threat Gov. Jim Justice (R-WV) poses to his campaign, per Puck News.
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“He doesn’t want to go out a loser,” one person close to Manchin told the outlet. “He’s paying very close attention to what Justice does.”
The report suggests Manchin can take as much time as necessary to make up his mind because he is seen as the best candidate to keep the seat in the Democratic lineup.
“For all of the problems he’s caused, he’s a political anomaly and a real asset to Democrats,” the source told the outlet.
Manchin is one of several Democratic senators facing difficult reelection bids in Republican-leaning states in 2024. Sens. Jon Tester (D-MT) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) are also expected to face fierce challenges from GOP candidates.
Polling has shown Justice with a significant advantage over Manchin in a hypothetical Senate matchup. A recent poll showed him up 52% to 42%.
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Justice has not announced another run for governor but has said he will make a decision by the end of February. Rep. Alex Mooney (R-WV) has already announced a 2024 bid for Manchin's seat, and state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey is also reportedly looking at unseating the centrist Democrat.