Shortly after Manchin’s announcement, the nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report changed its ratings of Manchin’s seat from “toss up” to “solid Republican.”
Former President Trump took credit for Sen. Joe Manchin’s (D-W.Va.) retirement in a post on his Truth Social platform on Thursday.
“Because I Endorsed Big Jim Justice of West Virginia for the U.S. Senate, and he has taken a commanding lead, Democrat Joe Manchin has decided not to seek re-election. Looking good for Big Jim!” Trump wrote.
Earlier on Thursday, the West Virginia Democrat announced that he would not be seeking reelection – capping off months of speculation over where he would run or not.
