Sen. Joe Manchin III revealed Thursday he will not seek reelection, a retirement by the conservative West Virginia Democrat that will almost certainly cede control of his seat to Republicans in their bid to retake the upper chamber.

In a video statement, the 76-year-old senator did not address prior consideration for launching an independent third-party presidential run against President Biden but said he would travel the country in search of “creating a movement to mobilize the middle.”

“After months of deliberation and long conversations with my family, I believe in my heart of hearts that I have accomplished what I set out to do for West Virginia,” Mr. Manchin said.

“I have made one of the toughest decisions of my life and decided that I will not be running for re-election to the United States Senate, but what I will be doing is traveling the country and speaking out to see if there is an interest in creating a movement to mobilize the middle and bring Americans together,” he added.

Gov. Jim Justice is the Republican frontrunner in the state’s Senate race over Rep. Alex Mooney. Mr. Justice is endorsed by former President Donald Trump and leads Mr. Mooney in the polls by double digits. 

Senate Republicans’ campaign arm was quick to celebrate the news out of the red state.

“We like our odds in West Virginia,” said National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Steve Daines, Montana Republican. 

Senate Democrats hold a narrow one-seat majority and must defend races in battlegrounds such as Nevada, Montana, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Ohio and Wisconsin to stave off a Republican takeover. 

Mr. Manchin chairs the Senate Energy Committee, a powerful position that has frequently put him at odds with what he describes as President Biden’s “radical” climate change agenda.

He dealt punches to the extreme elements on both sides of the aisle and blamed Washington for creating a toxic culture in American politics. 

“Every incentive in Washington is designed to make our politics extreme,” Mr. Manchin said. “The growing divide between Democrats and Republicans is paralyzing Congress and worsening our nation’s problems. The majority of Americans are just plain worn out.”

• Ramsey Touchberry can be reached at rtouchberry@washingtontimes.com.