Staff Reports
In a stunning announcement this week, Senator Mitt Romney of Utah revealed that he will not be running for re-election in 2024. Instead, he plans to retire from politics and make way for a new generation of leaders. While Romney will continue to serve until his term expires in 2025, he wasted no time in causing a stir among his fellow Republicans. Meanwhile, the news of Romney’s retirement has sparked speculation about the future plans of Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia, whose term also expires in 2025.
Social media has been abuzz with talk of Manchin potentially switching parties, especially after The Washington Post published an article suggesting that he may run as an independent for Senate or even for president. The piece, however, conveniently failed to mention Romney’s retirement. It’s no surprise that Manchin is considering a switch, considering his rocky relationship with the Biden administration. Just last month, he hinted at the possibility of becoming an independent, and it seems that the chatter surrounding this decision is only growing louder.
The question of what Manchin, at the age of 76, will ultimately decide remains unanswered. In April, he stated that he wouldn’t make a decision until the end of the year, but in June, he pushed that timeline to next year. The opening line of The Washington Post article on Manchin’s indecision perfectly encapsulates his current predicament. It seems that even Manchin himself is struggling to make up his mind.
If Manchin does decide to stay in politics, it appears increasingly likely that he will not do so as a Democrat. In recent meetings, Manchin and his family discussed three options: running for re-election as an independent, running for president as a No Labels candidate, or retiring altogether. Although he has not made a final decision, those familiar with the meetings believe that he will leave the Democratic Party if he chooses to remain in politics. The pressure is on for Manchin to run for re-election in West Virginia, but he believes his best chance of winning is as an independent.
The West Virginia Senate race in 2024 could prove to be a challenging one for Manchin, especially if he goes up against Jim Justice, the popular Republican governor of the state. Polls currently show Justice in the lead, although a close race could ensue if Manchin decides to run against another Republican contender, Representative Alex Mooney. Despite the tough odds, Democrats should be eager for Manchin to run, as his incumbency gives him a slight advantage. Nevertheless, forecasters still regard the race as a toss-up or leaning slightly in favor of Republicans.
One fascinating aspect of the situation is the Democratic Party’s stance on Manchin’s potential switch. While many believe that Democrats want him to run for re-election, the party has remained relatively tight-lipped on the matter. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee declined to comment, but an anonymous Democratic aide involved in Senate races revealed that the party hopes he runs. Clearly, Democrats recognize the importance of Manchin’s seat, even if it means supporting his independent candidacy.
Moreover, if Manchin were to switch parties, he would not be the only vulnerable Democrat to do so. Senator Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona also switched parties last December, and she too is facing re-election. It remains to be seen what her plans are for 2024.
While The Washington Post conveniently overlooked the connection, Romney’s retirement and Manchin’s potential switch highlight a growing divide within the Republican Party. Romney, despite claiming to still be a Republican, stands as a member of what many conservatives deem the “wise wing” or the so-called establishment. His recent comments on the Biden impeachment inquiry have only further inflamed his fellow Republicans. Not only did Romney vote against President Donald Trump in both impeachment trials, but he also became the first senator to vote to convict a president of his own party.
Furthermore, Romney has shown his support for President Biden by voting to confirm Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court, allowing Biden to fulfill a campaign promise by nominating a black woman. This move only solidifies Romney’s departure from his conservative colleagues.
The retirement of Romney and the potential party switch of Manchin mark a turning point in American politics. While Romney claims that his small wing of the Republican Party is here to stay, conservatives must prepare for a changing landscape. As we bid Romney farewell and await Manchin’s decision, one thing is clear: the fight for conservative values will continue, even in the face of internal division.
