Manchin considering rejoining Democratic Party to challenge Harris

Sen. Joe Manchin (I-W.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 reregistering as a Democrat to seek the nomination.

Manchin had kicked around running a primary bid against President Biden, but ultimately decided against it. He also did not run for another full term in the upper chamber, with West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice (R) expected to replace him next year.

The longtime moderate Democrat changed his party registration to independent in May in order for him to keep his political options open down the road.

Earlier in the day, Manchin had become fifth senator to call on Biden to leave the presidential race.

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

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

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