Manchin considers returning to the Democratic Party to challenge Harris

Sen. Joe Manchin (IW.V.) is considering running against Vice President Harris for the Democratic nomination.

A source familiar with Manchin confirmed that the West Virginia senator is considering re-registering as a Democrat to seek the nomination.

Manchin attempted to make a primary bid against President Biden, but ultimately decided not to do so. He also did not run for another full term in the upper house, with West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice (R) expected to replace him next year.

The longtime moderate Democrat changed his party’s registration to independent in May so he can keep his political options open in the future.

Earlier in the day, Manchin became the fifth senator to call on Biden to drop out of the presidential race.

“I made the decision with a heavy heart that I think it’s time to pass the torch to a new generation,” Manchin told CNN’s Jake Tapper on “State of the Union” on Sunday.

“I want him to be president for the last five months of this presidency of his term, to do what he can do is unite our country, calm the rhetoric and be able to focus attention on peace in the world.”

Manchin also called for an “open process” in the coming weeks to select a replacement.

“I think we have a lot of talent on the bench, a lot of good people,” Manchin told CNN, adding that his top picks include governors. Andy Beshear (D-Ky.) and Josh Shapiro (D-Pa.).

This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story