West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin’s decision not to pursue a presidential bid was confirmed on Friday by his spokesperson, Jonathan Kott. The announcement was made during a speech at West Virginia University, a key moment in his national listening tour.

In his address at Morgantown, Manchin unequivocally stated his intention to refrain from engaging in any presidential run, whether as a third-party candidate or otherwise. This declaration came after speculation regarding his potential candidacy, with Manchin previously indicating that clarity on his decision would likely emerge by March.

Manchin’s decision carries weight within political circles, particularly amidst the backdrop of movements like No Labels, which has been discreetly scouting for viable candidates for an independent presidential ticket in 2024. Manchin was among the figures under consideration for such a role.

Notably, Manchin’s future plans are not limited to the presidency; he has opted not to seek reelection in 2024, positioning his Senate seat as a significant target for Republican contenders in a state where the GOP traditionally holds sway.

Efforts to draft Manchin into a joint venture with retiring Senator Mitt Romney for a third-party presidential bid were initiated last year, although neither Manchin nor Romney endorsed the endeavor. Instead, Manchin has expressed a commitment to exploring opportunities to foster unity and cohesion across the American political spectrum.

The landscape of potential candidates for movements like No Labels remains dynamic. Democratic Congressman Dean Phillips has expressed openness to such a venture, even as he remains engaged in challenging President Biden in the Democratic primaries. Meanwhile, former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, once considered a leading contender, has opted against a 2024 presidential bid, choosing to pursue a Senate seat instead.