Sen. Joe Manchin (D-Virginia) on Monday did not rule out a run for governor of West Virginia, following reports that Republicans are encouraging him to do so. .
West Virginia Metro News reported that a group of Republicans opposed to Republican gubernatorial candidate Attorney General Patrick Morrissey urged Manchin to run for his former office as an independent. Manchin served as West Virginia’s governor from 2005 to 2010, before the state elected him to the U.S. Senate.
Manchin was asked about the report Monday evening by reporters in Washington, D.C., and said he was aware of the rumors. He said Democratic candidate Huntington Mayor Steve Williams is a friend.
“I heard the rumors this morning. I’ve been supporting my friend Steve Williams. I’ve known him for 40 years and I got him involved. He’s a good guy. I don’t know what’s going on. So basically, I’ll wait until I get home,” Manchin said.
Sen. Joe Manchin urges Republican colleagues: ‘If you have an opportunity to secure the border, take it!’
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-Va.) speaks at the “Politics and Eggs” event at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College on January 12, 2024 in Manchester, New Hampshire. Manchin has announced that he will not run for re-election in November. (Scott Eisen/Getty Images)
A West Virginia Metro News report, citing sources “close to” the senator, said at least 20 “well-funded” Republicans had encouraged Manchin to run.
“Many Republicans believe that Manchin has done a good job as governor before and are encouraging him to run again,” one of the people said, according to the newspaper.
The state Republican Party released a statement fully supporting Morrissey against Democratic candidate Williams.
“The WVGOP is squarely united behind Governor Patrick Morrissey. West Virginians are excited to elect him to represent conservatives in the Governor’s Mansion this November and continue the Republican winning streak. We are!” said WVGOP Chairman Matt Herridge.
‘Given to the far left’: staunchly red state Republican incumbent loses primary after being hurt by Pack on key issues
A group of Republicans opposed to West Virginia Republican gubernatorial candidate Patrick Morrissey (pictured) have reportedly approached Manchin about running for governor as an independent. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Mr. Morrissey ran for the Senate in 2018 and lost to Mr. Manchin by 3 points, but he has been in talks with his rivals who lost in the Republican gubernatorial primary and is preparing for the general election in November. He expressed on social media that the party is united.
“I’ve had good conversations with Moore Capito, Chris Miller, Mac Warner, the governor, candidates for the Board of Public Works, and many others. My opponents and BOPW candidates are very That was kind. It’s clear that we all pursue a common goal: electing a Republican in November and advancing conservative values,” Morrissey posted on X.
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice wins Republican Senate primary
Manchin did not rule out a run for governor, but joked that his only interest was “running on the West Virginia border” to escape the nation’s capital. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images)
In an interview with West Virginia Metro News, Williams cast doubt on rumors that Manchin will run for governor.
“Joe Manchin has given me no indication that such discussions have taken place. Second, he donated to my campaign in the primary. He donated to my campaign in the general election as well. We have committed to donating and we have had several conversations since Election Day,” Williams told the outlet.
“Unless Joe Manchin is the most duplicitous person on the planet, which I don’t believe he is because I’ve been friends with him for over 40 years, I don’t think there’s any basis to these rumors. do not have.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Manchin, who is not running for re-election, joked to reporters on Monday that his only interest was returning to his hometown to escape the nation’s capital.
“Right now I’m not doing anything other than running for office in West Virginia, so I can enjoy life,” he said.
