Sen. Joe Manchin, the Democrat from West Virginia, announced Friday he will not launch a 2024 bid for the White House as an independent — removing what would have been a major challenge for President Joe Biden’s campaign.
“I will not be seeking a third-party run,” Manchin said at an event at West Virginia University.
Manchin announced last year that he would not seek reelection, fueling speculation over whether he planned to mount a third-party White House bid.
Senator Joe Manchin talks to reporters as he leaves the Senate floor following a vote on January 23, 2024 in Washington, D.C.
Samuel Corum/Getty Images, FILE
“The system right now is not set up for [it]. The long game, maybe we can make a third party viable where it has a process and opportunity. Right now, it’s very challenging,” he said. “And I’m not going to be a deal breaker, if you will, spoiler, whatever you want to call it. I just don’t think it’s the right time.”
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