Democratic West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin announced Monday that he is endorsing a Democratic mayor in the primary race to succeed him.
Manchin had recently toyed with what he called a “long-shot” independent Senate bid. But such a run seems unlikely after Manchin, the Energy and Natural Resources chair, threw his support behind Glenn Elliott, an attorney and mayor of Wheeling.
“I know he has the determination, the vigor and vitality to do the work required to be successful in the U.S. Senate here in Washington, D.C.,” Manchin said in a video statement released by Elliott’s campaign.
“He’ll show up every day to fight for West Virginia, to create jobs, grow our economy and make a better life for our people. Glenn will always fight for West Virginia, and will put our country and our state before the bickering and the pettiness of the partisan politics of Washington, D.C.”