Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) will not run for reelection

A centrist Democratic senator, Joe Manchin (WV) announced Thursday he won’t run for re-election for the next term. This changes the outlook of the balance in the Senate, as the Democrats will have to fight to keep the majority.

Sen. Manchin stated, “After months of deliberation and long conversations with my family, I believe in my heart of hearts that I have accomplished what I set out to do for West Virginia. I have made one of the toughest decisions of my life and decided that I will not be running for re-election to the United States Senate, but what I will be doing is traveling the country and speaking out to see if there is an interest in creating a movement to mobilize the middle and bring Americans together,” Manchin said in a written and video statement.

“To the West Virginians who have put their trust in me and fought side by side to make our state better — it has been an honor of my life to serve you. Thank you,” he said.

Sen. Manchin was the center of most decisions on the Senate floor last season, and he was the main person behind “Purple” West Virginia since he was elected to the Senate in a 2010 special election.

The current West Virginia governor Jim Justice and Rep. Alex Mooney are both already running for the Republican nomination for the seat, according to NBC News.

“Senator Joe Manchin and I have not always agreed on policy and politics, but we’re both lifelong West Virginians who love this state beyond belief, and I respect and thank him for his many years of public service,” Justice said.

Currently, there is no contest for the Democratic Party to alternative Manchin in the state. While some Democrats criticized Manchin for not supporting the Party’s platform, Manchin was also keyholder in keeping the 50:50 situation for the Democratic party.

Biden on Thursday highlighted the work he has done with Manchin, saying, “Joe and I have worked together to get things done for hardworking families.”