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Joe Manchin

Joe Manchin is an American politician and businessman from West Virginia who served as a U.S.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Joe Manchin is an American politician and businessman from West Virginia. He served as a U.S. senator from 2010 to 2025, prior to which he was governor of West Virginia and secretary of state. Manchin was a Democrat for most of his career and became an independent in 2024.

Early life and education

Joe Manchin was born on August 24, 1947, in Farmington, West Virginia. He attended West Virginia University and later worked as a businessman before entering politics.

State political career

Manchin began his elected career in the West Virginia House of Delegates and State Senate. He was elected secretary of state in 2000 and served from 2001 to 2005. He then served two terms as governor of West Virginia from 2005 to 2010, building a reputation as a centrist Democrat.

U.S. Senate tenure

Manchin entered the U.S. Senate in 2010 after winning a special election. He remained in office until 2025, becoming an influential swing vote in a closely divided Senate.

Later career and party change

Manchin announced in 2023 that he would not seek another Senate term. In 2024 he formally changed his party registration from Democrat to independent.

Key facts

  • Joe Manchin was born in Farmington, West Virginia, in 1947.
  • He served as West Virginia secretary of state, governor, and U.S. senator.
  • He was a Democrat for most of his career and became an independent in 2024.
  • He did not seek reelection to the U.S. Senate in 2024 and left office in 2025.
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Canadian context

Joe Manchin has no major direct Canadian connection, but he was a notable figure in U.S. federal politics, including energy, climate, and legislative debates that affected Canada-U.S. policy discussions.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Joe Manchin?
Joe Manchin is an American politician from West Virginia who served as governor, secretary of state, and U.S. senator.
What party did Joe Manchin belong to?
He was a Democrat for most of his political career and became an independent in 2024.
What offices has Joe Manchin held?
He served as a member of the West Virginia legislature, secretary of state, governor, and U.S. senator.
When was Joe Manchin born?
He was born on August 24, 1947, in Farmington, West Virginia.
When did Joe Manchin leave the Senate?
He served in the U.S. Senate until 2025.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Joe-Manchin
    Supports: Birth date and place, Senate service, governorship, and party change
  2. U.S. Government Publishing Office — https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CDIR-2022-10-26/html/CDIR-2022-10-26-WV-S-1.htm
    Supports: Full name, birth date, education, offices held, and Senate service
  3. National Governors Association — https://www.nga.org/governor/joe-manchin-iii-2/
    Supports: West Virginia governorship and earlier state-level career
  4. Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/Joe_Manchin_III
    Supports: 2023 decision not to seek reelection and 2024 independent filing