W.Va. Gov. Jim Justice running for Senate, setting up possible showdown with Sen. Joe Manchin in 2024

Republican West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice filed the paperwork to run for Senate in 2024, setting up what could be one of the most competitive races in the next election cycle, with Democrat Sen. Joe Manchin up for reelection in the deep red state.  

Justice is expected to formally announce his campaign Thursday in Sulpher Springs with GOP Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia there to support his bid. 

Manchin's seat in West Virginia has long been considered a vulnerable seat for Democrats given former President Donald Trump won the state twice in the 2016 and 2020 elections.

Manchin, one of the most conservative Democrats, has frequently been at odds with President Joe Biden and most recently threatened to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act.

He has yet to say whether he will run for reelection.

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