(TheRedWire.com) – Former President Donald Trump claimed that he had played a role in the decision of Sen. Joe Manchin to not seek reelection in West Virginia.
Following the announcement by Manchin, Trump claimed that the Democratic Senator had chosen not to try for reelection because Trump had endorsed “Big Jim Justice for the U.S. Senate.”
In his statement about not trying to remain in office after 2024, Manchin argued that this was one of the hardest decisions he has had to make in his life. However, Trump stated that this was a dose of reality as he had previously endorsed “Big Jim Justice.” Trump further claimed that “Big Jim” now had a commanding lead, which is why Manchin had chosen to step aside and not seek reelection.
Last month, an Emerson poll found that Justice led the race with 41 percent against Manchin’s 28 percent. Manchin has spent the last few months considering whether he should retire. On Sunday, Newsmax stated that the Senator was expected to announce retirement.
In his statement, Manchin argued that in his years of service, he had accomplished what he had originally set out to accomplish for his state. He added that this was one of his life’s hardest decisions but that he would not be seeking reelection.
Other speculations have wanted the 76-year-old senator to be planning to join the presidential race under the No Labels umbrella. In his announcement, Manchin spoke about traveling across the country to unite Americans.
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