Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia caused yet another headache for the Democratic Majority this week when he announced he would not seek reelection in 2024.
Manchin is the longest-serving Democratic Senator originally elected in 2010, and his vote has been critical to the Party’s attempts to pass major legislation. His announcement has Democrats nervously wondering who will replace him in the Senate and how it will affect their chances of passing the centrist, bipartisan legislation for which he has become known.
The announcement has already stirred up speculation as to who may run for his seat in 2024. Several names have been widely discussed, including West Virginia Secretary of State and former gubernatorial hopeful Natalie Tennant, popular Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, and former senator and presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders.
For Democrats, however, the speculation is particularly worrying as Senator Manchin is considered the bridge between progressives and moderates in the party. His presence has been key to passing important bipartisan legislation in the Senate, such as the Covid-19 stimulus package, President Biden’s first major legislative victory, without resorting to partisan politics.
Manchin’s likely departure is being viewed with apprehension due to the potential for increased polarization of the two parties’ bases. While pundits on both sides acknowledge the likelihood of polarizing legislation passing regardless of Senator Manchin’s seat, there are concerns that the departure of a Congressman of Manchin’s stature and proven ideology will mean a more difficult — and potentially hostile — legislative process in the future.
Regardless of who ultimately fills Manchin’s seat for the Democrats, it is clear that his departure will have major implications for the Democratic Party and the fate of upcoming legislation. For now, Democrats will have to wait and see how they can fill his shoes and what new roadblocks Manchin’s retirement may bring.