Democrat Joe Manchin not seeking re-election in heavily Republican West Virginia

Joe Manchin has announced he will not seek re-election in 2024 (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

Democratic senator Joe Manchin has announced he will not seek re-election in 2024, giving Republicans a prime opportunity to pick up a seat in the heavily ‘red state’ of West Virginia.

Mr Manchin, 76, said in a statement that he had made the decision “after months of deliberation and long conversations” with his family.