Early Life and Education of Joe Manchin: A Complete Timeline
How education and upbringing influenced the life of Joe Manchin. A timeline of key moments.
Joe Manchin is an American businessman and former politician who served as a U.S. Senator for West Virginia from 2010 to 2025. Previously, he was the 34th Governor of West Virginia (2005-2010) and the Secretary of State of West Virginia (2001-2005). Manchin, initially a Democrat and later an independent, co-founded and led Enersystems, a coal brokerage firm owned by his family. His background in the coal industry has significantly shaped his political identity, earning him the description of a 'coal baron'.
August 24, 1947: Joe Manchin Born
On August 24, 1947, Joseph Anthony Manchin III was born. He would later become a businessman, politician, Governor of West Virginia, and U.S. Senator.
1965: Graduated from High School and Entered West Virginia University
In 1965, Joe Manchin graduated from Farmington High School and entered West Virginia University on a football scholarship, marking the beginning of his higher education.
August 5, 1967: Married Gayle Heather Conelly
On August 5, 1967, Manchin married Gayle Heather Conelly. They have three children: Heather Manchin Bresch, Joseph IV, and Brooke.
1970: Graduated with a Business Administration Degree
In 1970, Joe Manchin graduated from West Virginia University with a degree in business administration, setting the stage for his career in business and politics.
1996: Last time Democrats won West Virginia in a presidential election
Although Democrats have not won West Virginia in a presidential election since 1996, Manchin held his U.S. Senate seat from 2010 to 2025.
2006: Delivered commencement address at Wheeling Jesuit University
In 2006, Manchin delivered a commencement address at Wheeling Jesuit University and received an honorary degree.
June 28, 2010: Senator Robert Byrd Died
On June 28, 2010, Senator Robert Byrd died, leading to speculation about Joe Manchin's potential appointment to the Senate.
2010: Delivered commencement address at Davis & Elkins College
In 2010, Manchin delivered a commencement address at Davis & Elkins College and received an honorary degree.
2010: Started holding U.S. Senate seat
Manchin held his U.S. Senate seat starting in 2010 until 2025.
December 2012: Voiced displeasure with MTV's Buckwild
In December 2012, Manchin voiced his displeasure with MTV's reality show Buckwild, which was set in Charleston, West Virginia. He asked the network's president to cancel the show, contending that it depicted West Virginia negatively.
2012: Last time Democrats won a single county in the state
Although Democrats have not won a single county in the state since 2012, Manchin held his U.S. Senate seat from 2010 to 2025.
June 2016: Floods in West Virginia
In June 2016, a series of floods occurred in West Virginia, leading to Joe Manchin's later efforts in May 2019 to introduce the Disaster Recovery Funding Act to address the rebuilding needs.
2016: Bernie Sanders's 2016 presidential campaign
In 2016 Paula Jean Swearengin was supported by former members of Bernie Sanders's 2016 presidential campaign
September 2018: GQ called Manchin "the last Democrat in Trump country"
In September 2018, GQ called Manchin "the last Democrat in Trump country,", highlighting his position as a Democrat in a state that heavily supported Donald Trump.
2018: Net worth estimated at over $7.6 million
As of 2018, Manchin's net worth was estimated to be more than $7.6 million, according to OpenSecrets.org.
October 2021: The Guardian called Manchin a Democrat in name only
In October 2021, Richard Luscombe wrote in The Guardian that Manchin was a Democrat in name only because he opposed Biden's Build Back Better Act, showcasing the criticism he faced from within his own party.
2021: Only Democrat in West Virginia holding congressional or statewide partisan office
From 2021, Manchin was the only Democrat holding congressional or statewide partisan office in West Virginia. This highlights his unique position in a state that has trended Republican in recent years.
2021: Global Energy Crisis
In 2021, the global energy crisis began and lasted until 2023, eventually influencing Joe Manchin's support for the Inflation Reduction Act.
2022: Lived on yacht in Potomac River, net worth estimated at $12 million
As of 2022, Manchin lived on a yacht in the Potomac River when in Washington, and his net worth was estimated to be $12 million.
November 2023: Associated Press called Manchin "the last in a line of formidable West Virginia Democrats"
In November 2023, the Associated Press called Manchin "the last in a line of formidable West Virginia Democrats who promoted coal interests", which highlights his position as one of the last of his kind.
2023: Global Energy Crisis
In 2023, the global energy crisis ended, it influenced Joe Manchin's support for the Inflation Reduction Act.
2024: Criticized Democratic Party positions after Kamala Harris's loss
After Kamala Harris lost the 2024 United States presidential election to Donald Trump, Manchin criticized many of the Democratic Party's positions and said that its brand was "toxic." Manchin said he will remain an Independent and had no plans to run for political office in the future.
2024: Left Democratic party and became an Independent
Manchin was the only Democrat holding congressional or statewide partisan office in West Virginia until he became an Independent in 2024.
2025: Finished holding U.S. Senate seat
Manchin held his U.S. Senate seat from 2010 until 2025.
