West Virginia AG to Make “Important Announcement” as He Mulls Challenging Sen. Manchin

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, a Republican, is set to make an “important announcement” regarding his political future as rumors swirl that he may run for Senate against incumbent Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin. The announcement is scheduled for April 4 in Jefferson County, West Virginia, and will be followed by a statewide tour to speak with voters.

Morrisey, who has served as the state’s top law enforcement officer since 2013, previously ran for Senate in 2018 but lost to Manchin by less than 20,000 votes. He has stated that he is “seriously evaluating” a gubernatorial run or a bid for the Senate in 2024.

When asked how he would be a better candidate if he were to challenge Manchin again, Morrisey said, “I’m out in front leading against [the Biden administration’s] threats against our freedoms right now.”

Morrisey isn’t the only potential challenger for Manchin. Republican Gov. Jim Justice is also rumored to be considering a run for the Senate against Manchin. Manchin has yet to announce whether he will run for re-election in 2024.

Manchin faced his toughest challenge in 2018 when he won by only 3%, and he could face a tough challenge from Republican candidates as the state becomes more Republican-leaning. A moderate Democrat, he has pushed back against several proposals from the Biden administration and faced backlash from within his party for being a swing vote for the first two years of Biden’s presidency.