Manchin opts against running for Democratic nomination: 'I'm not running for office'

WASHINGTON (TND) — Sen. Joe Manchin said he would not seek the Democratic nomination for president after President Joe Biden’s decision to step back from the race has left the party without a nominee with just over 100 days left until Election Day.

Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place about 30 minutes after he made the stunning announcement that he would end his reelection bid but his endorsement does not guarantee her the nomination. No other candidates have emerged challenging Harris so far but reports Sunday indicated Manchin was considering switching his affiliation back to Democratic and try to win the nomination.

The West Virginia senator put those reports to rest in an interview on “CBS Mornings” on Monday.

“I’m not running for office,” he said.

Manchin opted against what would have been a very challenging reelection bid for his seat representing West Virginia against current Republican Gov. Jim Justice in a heavily GOP-leaning state. He switched his affiliation to independent in May and had considered a primary challenge to Biden earlier this year before ultimately deciding against it.

He said Monday that he is still not going to run for office this year.

“I’m not going to be a candidate for president,” he said. “I don’t need that in my life.”