Democrat Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) has refused to rule out a gubernatorial run, boosting speculation that he’s planning to enter the race for governor of West Virginia.
It comes as reports emerged that Republicans are encouraging Manchin to run for governor of West Virginia.
Manchin responded to Monday reports that he’s being recruited by the GOP for a gubernatorial run.
When asked for comment about the reports, the senator did not rule out a potential run for governor.
West Virginia MetroNews reported that a group of Republicans who oppose the GOP gubernatorial nominee, state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, have urged Manchin to run for his old job.
However, Republicans are reportedly trying to recruit Manchin to run as an independent.
Manchin served as governor from 2005 to 2010 before West Virginians elected him to the U.S. Senate.
Asked about the report on Monday evening, Manchin told reporters in Washington, D.C., that he was aware of the rumors.
He said the Democrat nominee, Huntington Mayor Steve Williams, is a friend.
“I heard that this morning, the rumors,” Manchin said.
“I’ve supported my friend, Steve Williams.
“We’ve known each other for 40 years, got him involved.
“He’s a good person. I don’t know what’s going on.
“So basically, I’ll just wait until I go home.”
The West Virginia MetroNews report quoted sources “close” to the senator who said at least 20 Republicans “with financial resources” have encouraged Manchin to run for governor.
“Many Republicans who believe Manchin did a good job as governor previously are encouraging him to run again,” one of the sources said, according to the outlet.
In response to the rumors, the state Republican Party issued a statement fully endorsing Morrisey against the Democrat nominee, Williams.
“The WVGOP is united squarely behind Patrick Morrisey for Governor,” stated Matt Herridge, WVGOP chairman.
“West Virginians are excited to continue our Republican victory streak by electing him as our conservative voice in the Governor’s mansion this November!”
Morrisey previously ran for Senate in 2018 and lost to Manchin by three points.
He indicated on social media that he has spoken with his defeated rivals in the Republican gubernatorial primary and that the party is united heading into the November general election.
“I’ve had good conversations with Moore Capito, Chris Miller, Mac Warner, the Governor, our Board of Public Works Candidates, and many others. My opponents and the BOPW nominees were quite gracious,” Morrisey posted on X.
“It’s now clear we will all pursue our common goal of electing Republicans in November and advancing conservative values.”
In an interview with West Virginia MetroNews, Williams cast doubt on the rumors Manchin would hop in the gubernatorial contest.
“Joe Manchin has not given me any indication that there has been any conversation along those lines,” Williams told the outlet.
“Secondly, he contributed to my campaign in the primary.
“He is committed to contributing to my campaign in the general, and we have had several conversations since election day.
“Unless Joe Manchin is the most duplicitous person on the face of the earth, which I don’t believe he is because he’s been a friend for over 40 years now, I don’t see that these rumors have any legs.”
When pressed by reporters on Monday, Manchin, who is not running for reelection in the Senate, joked that his only interest is in returning home to get away from the capital.
“I’m not involved in anything right now except running for the border of West Virginia, so I can enjoy my life,” he said.
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