Challenges Faced by Joe Manchin: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Joe Manchin's life and career.

Joe Manchin is an American businessman and former politician who served as a U.S. Senator for West Virginia from 2010 to 2025. Initially a Democrat, he later registered as an independent. Prior to his Senate career, Manchin was the 27th Secretary of State of West Virginia (2001-2005) and the 34th Governor of West Virginia (2005-2010). Before entering public service, he co-founded and led Enersystems, a family-owned coal brokerage firm.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1996: Lost Gubernatorial Primary

In 1996, Joe Manchin ran for governor but lost the Democratic primary election to Charlotte Pritt.

July 2005: Massey Energy CEO Sued Manchin

In July 2005, Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship sued Joe Manchin, alleging that Manchin had violated Blankenship's First Amendment rights.

April 17, 2013: Manchin-Toomey bill defeated in Senate

On April 17, 2013, the Manchin-Toomey bill, which would have strengthened background checks on gun sales, was defeated in the Senate by a vote of 54–46. 60 votes would have been required to pass it.

January 8, 2019: Manchin votes to advance bill imposing sanctions against Syrian government

On January 8, 2019, Joe Manchin was one of four Democrats to vote to advance a bill imposing sanctions against the Syrian government and furthering U.S. support for Israel and Jordan. This occurred as Democratic members of the chamber employed tactics to end the United States federal government shutdown of 2018–2019.

March 18, 2019: Manchin not a cosponsor of the Equality Act

As of March 18, 2019, Joe Manchin was the only member of the Senate Democratic Caucus not cosponsoring the Equality Act, citing concerns that the bill lacked sufficient guidance for local officials responsible for its implementation.

February 2, 2021: Manchin announces opposition to $15 federal minimum wage

On February 2, 2021, Joe Manchin announced his opposition to raising the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 per hour, but he indicated openness to a smaller increase, potentially to $11 per hour, with adjustments for regions with higher costs of living. He also suggested indexing the minimum wage to prevent it from becoming a political issue in the future.

March 2021: Manchin votes for amendment to rescind funding from public schools

In March 2021, Joe Manchin was the only Democrat to vote in favor of a failed amendment that sought to rescind funding from public schools allowing transgender youth to participate in sports teams aligning with their gender identity.

June 6, 2021: Manchin expresses opposition to the For the People Act

On June 6, 2021, Joe Manchin voiced his opposition to the For the People Act due to a lack of bipartisan support. Manchin expressed support for a reinforced version of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, urging its passage in the Senate.

December 2021: Manchin announces opposition to Build Back Better Act

In December 2021, Joe Manchin signaled that he was not likely to vote for the Biden-supported Build Back Better Act, citing growing inflation, the national debt, and the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus as reasons for opposition. This led to a response from the White House and an appeal from the United Mine Workers of America.

January 2022: Heavy Spending on Private Security

In January 2022, The Hill reported that Joe Manchin "spent heavily on private security" during the last three months of 2021 after becoming a target for progressive protesters.