Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) may be an independent candidate for president if a key political organization has its way. The organization No Labels is courting the senator to seek a third-party run in 2024 instead of reelection.
No Labels is currently aiming to get ballot access in all 50 states for the upcoming election and hopes to back a candidate with ample funding.
No Labels taking next steps in search for presidential candidates for third-party ticket https://t.co/u5jWlNpmz7
— Fox News (@FoxNews) May 12, 2023
Manchin, the former governor of West Virginia, describes himself as a conservative Democrat. His track record has bucked the consensus of the Democratic Party while he has shown a willingness to work with President Joe Biden in passing the Inflation Reduction Act.
This balancing act resulted in Manchin receiving poor ratings from his state’s constituents.
The organization is also considering other candidates for a third-party candidacy, including Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), who is also up for reelection in 2024.
No Labels is also eyeing its own co-chairman, former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) for a possible run.
The head of No Labels, Nancy Jacobson, said that the group would make its decision around the spring of next year. The group has planned a national convention for April 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
The senator would be in the fight of his political life should he seek another term in 2024. Current West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice (R) recently announced that he would seek Manchin’s seat in next year’s election.
“I absolutely will promise you to God above that I will do the job, and I will do the job that will make you proud,” the governor said.
Manchin did not make any formal statement about whether he would seek another term, stating instead that he was “laser-focused on doing the job West Virginians elected me to do.”
“But make no mistake, I will win any race I enter,” he added.
Manchin has developed a relationship with the organization and has been silent about his plans for next year. This led to earlier speculation that he would consider an independent bid for the White House.
He said earlier this year that he has been “part of No Labels since December of 2010. It’s the only game in town that wants to bring people together and get Democrats and Republicans working together.”
In April, Manchin said that he would not make a decision about his political future until the end of 2023.
