History of Joe Manchin in Timeline
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.
1964: Marked the last time a WV Governor was succeeded by another from the same party
Joe Manchin's election as Governor in 2004 marked the first time since 1964 that a West Virginia governor was succeeded by another governor from the same party.
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.
1974: American Miners Act of 2019
In January 2019, Manchin was one of six Democratic senators to introduce the American Miners Act of 2019, a bill that would amend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to swap funds in excess of the amounts needed to meet existing obligations under the Abandoned Mine Land fund to the 1974 Pension Plan as part of an effort to prevent its insolvency as a result of coal company bankruptcies and the 2008 financial crisis.
1977: American Miners Act of 2019
In January 2019, Manchin was one of six Democratic senators to introduce the American Miners Act of 2019, a bill that would amend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to swap funds in excess of the amounts needed to meet existing obligations under the Abandoned Mine Land fund to the 1974 Pension Plan as part of an effort to prevent its insolvency as a result of coal company bankruptcies and the 2008 financial crisis.
1982: Elected to West Virginia House of Delegates
In 1982, at the age of 35, Joe Manchin was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates, marking an early milestone in his political career.
1986: Elected to West Virginia Senate
In 1986, Joe Manchin was elected to the West Virginia Senate, continuing his service in the state legislature.
1986: Cosponsors Bill to Apply Tax Code Provisions to Same-Sex Couples
On February 14, 2018, Joe Manchin cosponsored S.515, a bill that would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to clarify that all provisions shall apply to legally married same-sex couples in the same manner as other married couples.
1988: Founded Enersystems
In 1988, Joe Manchin founded Enersystems, a waste coal brokerage company, marking his entry into the business world.
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.
1996: Lost Gubernatorial Primary Election
In 1996, Joe Manchin ran for governor but lost in the Democratic primary election to Charlotte Pritt, leading him to support the Republican candidate.
2000: Elected Secretary of State of West Virginia
In 2000, Joe Manchin was elected as the Secretary of State of West Virginia, marking a significant statewide victory.
2000: Entered Politics and Gave Control of Enersystems to His Son
In 2000, upon entering politics, Joe Manchin transitioned the daily operations of Enersystems to his son, Joe Manchin IV.
2003: Announced Intention to Challenge Governor Bob Wise
In 2003, Joe Manchin announced his intention to challenge the incumbent Democratic governor Bob Wise in the 2004 Democratic primary.
2004: Won Democratic Primary and General Election for Governor
In 2004, Joe Manchin won both the Democratic primary and the general election for governor by large margins, succeeding another governor from the same party for the first time since 1964.
2004: Elected Governor of West Virginia
In 2004, Joe Manchin won the West Virginia gubernatorial election by a large margin, marking a significant victory in his political career.
July 2005: Massey Energy CEO Sued Manchin
In July 2005, Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship sued Joe Manchin, alleging violation of First Amendment rights due to threatened scrutiny of coal operations in retaliation for political activities.
January 2006: Sago Mine Disaster Miscommunication
During the Sago Mine disaster in early January 2006, Joe Manchin confirmed incorrect reports of 12 miners surviving, which he later acknowledged as a miscommunication.
February 1, 2006: Ordered Stop to Coal Production After Mining Deaths
On February 1, 2006, Joe Manchin ordered a stop to all coal production in West Virginia pending safety checks after two more miners were killed, reflecting concerns about mine safety.
2006: Delivered commencement address at Wheeling Jesuit University
In 2006, Manchin delivered a commencement address at Wheeling Jesuit University and received an honorary degree.
2008: Won Reelection to Second Term as Governor
In 2008, Joe Manchin easily won reelection to a second term as governor, capturing 69.81% of the vote and winning every county in West Virginia.
2008: Re-elected Governor of West Virginia
In 2008, Joe Manchin was re-elected as Governor of West Virginia by an even larger margin than his initial election, demonstrating strong voter support.
2008: American Miners Act of 2019
In January 2019, Manchin was one of six Democratic senators to introduce the American Miners Act of 2019, a bill that would amend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to swap funds in excess of the amounts needed to meet existing obligations under the Abandoned Mine Land fund to the 1974 Pension Plan as part of an effort to prevent its insolvency as a result of coal company bankruptcies and the 2008 financial crisis.
2009: Manchin's Financial Disclosures Reported
In 2009, Joe Manchin's financial disclosures reported earnings of $1,363,916 from Energysystems, leading to scrutiny due to his family ties to the coal industry.
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.
July 20, 2010: Manchin Announced Candidacy for Senate Seat
On July 20, 2010, Joe Manchin announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat in a special election to fill the remaining term of the late Robert Byrd.
November 15, 2010: Sworn in to U.S. Senate
On November 15, 2010, Joe Manchin was sworn in to the U.S. Senate by Vice President Joe Biden, officially beginning his Senate career.
December 9, 2010: Vote Against Cloture for National Defense Authorization Act
On December 9, 2010, Joe Manchin was the sole Democrat to vote against cloture for the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act, which contained a provision to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell. He cited advice from retired military chaplains and a desire for more time to hear from West Virginians as reasons for his vote.
December 13, 2010: Manchin Participates in Launch of No Labels
On December 13, 2010, Joe Manchin participated in the launch of No Labels, a nonpartisan organization aimed at fostering collaboration to move the nation forward.
2010: Republicans Attempt to Court Manchin to Switch Parties
Before his Senate swearing-in in 2010, rumors circulated that the Republican Party was attempting to recruit Joe Manchin to switch parties. Republicans later suggested that Manchin was the source of the rumors.
2010: Early Polling Favored Manchin
In 2010 early polling heavily favored Joe Manchin.
2010: Calls for changes to the Affordable Care Act
In 2010, Joe Manchin called for "repairs" to the Affordable Care Act and the repeal of "bad parts of Obamacare."
2010: Voted Against Cloture for Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act
In 2010, Joe Manchin voted against cloture for the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act, though he did not vote on the bill itself, showcasing his stance on military policy.
2010: Absence from DREAM Act vote
In 2010, Joe Manchin was absent from a vote on the DREAM Act. He is opposed to the DREAM Act.
2010: Elected to the U.S. Senate
In 2010, Joe Manchin won a special election to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Robert Byrd's death, beginning his tenure in the Senate.
2010: Manchin's Financial Disclosures Reported
In 2010, Joe Manchin's financial disclosures reported earnings of $417,255 from Energysystems, drawing criticism related to potential conflicts of interest due to his connections to the coal industry.
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.
2010: Listed AA Properties as a Non-Public Asset
Since his election to the U.S. Senate in 2010, Joe Manchin has listed AA Properties, where he reportedly has 50% control, as a non-public asset on his financial disclosures.
June 2011: Seeking Crackdown on Bitcoin Currency Transactions
In June 2011, Joe Manchin joined Senator Chuck Schumer in seeking a crackdown on Bitcoin currency transactions, citing concerns about facilitating illegal drug trade.
June 21, 2011: Speech calling for reduction in military presence in Afghanistan
On June 21, 2011, Joe Manchin delivered a speech on the Senate floor calling for a "substantial and responsible reduction in the United States' military presence in Afghanistan."
July 2011: Introduced the Silver Alert Act
In July 2011, Manchin introduced the Silver Alert Act to create a nationwide network for locating missing adults and senior citizens, modeled after the AMBER Alert system.
2011: Manchin Supports Energy Tax Prevention Act
In 2011, Joe Manchin was the only Democratic senator to support the Energy Tax Prevention Act, which sought to prohibit the EPA from regulating greenhouse gas emissions, drawing criticism from environmental groups.
2011: Vote Against Cloture for National Defense Authorization Act
On December 9, 2010, Joe Manchin was the sole Democrat to vote against cloture for the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act, which contained a provision to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell.
2011: Began Receiving Significant Dividend Income from Enersystems
Starting in 2011 and through 2020, Joe Manchin was paid $5,211,154 in dividend income from Enersystems, highlighting his financial ties to the company.
May 2012: Proposed amendment to reclassify hydrocodone
In May 2012, Joe Manchin successfully proposed an amendment to the Food and Drug Administration reauthorization bill to reclassify hydrocodone as a Schedule II controlled substance in an effort to reduce prescription drug abuse.
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.
2012: Did Not Endorse Obama for Reelection
In 2012, Joe Manchin did not endorse President Barack Obama for reelection, citing "some real differences" with both major parties' nominees.
2012: Manchin Supports GOP Effort to Scuttle EPA Regulations
In 2012, Joe Manchin supported a failed GOP effort to "scuttle Environmental Protection Agency regulations that mandate cuts in mercury pollution and other toxic emissions from coal-fired power plants", while West Virginia's other senator, Jay Rockefeller, did not.
2012: Elected to a Full Senate Term
In 2012, Joe Manchin was elected to a full term in the U.S. Senate, solidifying his position in Congress.
2012: Endorsement by the National Rifle Association
In 2012, Joe Manchin's candidacy was endorsed by the National Rifle Association (NRA), which gave him an "A" rating.
April 17, 2013: Defeat of Manchin-Toomey Bill
On April 17, 2013, the Manchin-Toomey bill, aimed at strengthening background checks on gun sales, was defeated in the Senate by a vote of 54-46.
August 2013: Response to Ghouta Chemical Attack
In August 2013, following the Ghouta chemical attack, Joe Manchin stated that there was no doubt an attack occurred under the Assad regime, but it was not clear if Assad gave the order himself. He opposed strikes on the Syrian Government and introduced a resolution for President Obama to develop a long-term strategy and ensure the destruction of Syria's chemical weapons.
2013: Amendment to Cap Contractors' Salaries
In 2013, Joe Manchin successfully amended the National Defense Authorization Act to cap contractors' taxpayer-funded salaries at $230,000.
2013: Criticism for Interview Restrictions
In 2013, Joe Manchin was criticized for agreeing to an interview but demanding that he not be asked any questions about gun control or the Second Amendment.
2013: National Journal Gave Manchin an Overall Score of 55% Conservative and 46% Liberal
In 2013, the National Journal gave Joe Manchin an overall score of 55% conservative and 46% liberal, highlighting his centrist political positioning.
January 7, 2014: Remarks on Afghanistan
On January 7, 2014, Joe Manchin argued that "all of the money and all of the military might in the world will not change that part of the world" referring to Afghanistan.
July 2014: Sued by brother over $1.7 million loan
In July 2014, John Manchin II, one of Manchin's brothers, sued Manchin and his other brother, Roch Manchin, over a $1.7 million loan related to the family carpet business.
September 2014: Manchin Serves as Honorary Co-Chair of No Labels
As of September 2014, Joe Manchin was an honorary co-chair of No Labels, indicating his continued involvement with the bipartisan organization.
September 16, 2014: Opposition to Arming Syrian Opposition Fighters
On September 16, 2014, Joe Manchin announced he would vote against a possible Senate resolution to arm Syrian opposition fighters, stating concerns about arms being used against the U.S.
November 2014: Manchin Steps Down from Honorary Post with No Labels
In November 2014, Joe Manchin stepped down from his honorary post with No Labels after the organization campaigned for a Republican challenger to an incumbent Democratic senator.
December 2014: Manchin Signs Letter Urging EPA to Give States More Time to Comply with Power Plant Rule
In December 2014, Joe Manchin was one of six Democratic senators to sign a letter to the EPA urging it to give states more time to comply with its rule on power plants and calling for an elimination of the 2020 targets in the final rule, reflecting concerns about the impact on West Virginia's coal industry.
2014: Proposed Changes to Social Security
In 2014, Manchin proposed changes to Social Security, including adjusting payroll taxes on an inflationary basis and modifying Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) for higher-income recipients.
2014: Republicans Attempt to Court Manchin to Switch Parties
In 2014, after Republicans gained control of the Senate, they again attempted to convince Joe Manchin to switch parties. He rejected their overtures, remaining a Democrat.
June 30, 2015: Lawsuit from brother withdrawn
On June 30, 2015, John Manchin II withdrew the lawsuit he filed against Manchin and his other brother, Roch Manchin, in July 2014 regarding a $1.7 million loan.
August 3, 2015: Manchin Votes to Terminate Federal Funding for Planned Parenthood
On August 3, 2015, Joe Manchin broke with Democratic leadership by voting in favor of a Republican-sponsored bill to terminate federal funding for Planned Parenthood both in the United States and globally.
2015: Only Senate Democrat to Oppose Same-Sex Marriage
As of 2015, Joe Manchin was the only member of the Senate Democratic Caucus to oppose same-sex marriage.
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: Speculation About Manchin Becoming a Republican
As the 2016 elections approached, reports speculated that Joe Manchin would become a Republican if the Senate were in a 50–50 tie. He later stated he would remain a Democrat at least as long as he remained in the Senate.
2016: Reading letters to the Senate about opioid deaths
During 2016, Joe Manchin read to the Senate several letters from constituents about loved ones' deaths from opioids and urged his colleagues to act to prevent more deaths.
2016: Bernie Sanders's 2016 presidential campaign
In 2016 Paula Jean Swearengin was supported by former members of Bernie Sanders's 2016 presidential campaign
2016: Remarks on Gun Control and Due Process
In 2016, Joe Manchin stated that "due process is what's killing us right now" regarding the difficulty of preventing potential terrorists from acquiring guns after the Orlando nightclub shooting. This statement was criticized by the NRA and the Cato Institute, who felt Manchin was attacking a fundamental constitutional principle.
2016: Americans for Democratic Action Gave Manchin a 35% Liberal Quotient
In 2016, the progressive PAC Americans for Democratic Action gave Joe Manchin a 35% liberal quotient, reflecting his moderate political stance.
January 14, 2017: Concerns over repealing Obamacare
On January 14, 2017, Joe Manchin expressed concern over the strict party-line vote on repealing Obamacare. He stated that he could not vote to repeal without a replacement plan in place, but was willing to work with President Trump and the GOP to create one.
February 2017: Vote to confirm Scott Pruitt as EPA Administrator
In February 2017, Joe Manchin was one of two Democratic senators who voted to confirm Scott Pruitt as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
February 2017: Introduced the HIRE Veterans Act
In February 2017, Manchin co-sponsored the HIRE Veterans Act, which established a recognition program to award employers based on their contributions to veteran employment.
March 30, 2017: Manchin Votes Against H.J.Res. 43
On March 30, 2017, Joe Manchin voted against H.J.Res. 43, a bill that allowed states to refuse Title X grant money to organizations based on factors unrelated to their ability to provide services. Trump signed the bill.
April 2017: Manchin Endorses Continued Funding of Planned Parenthood
In April 2017, Joe Manchin endorsed the continued funding of Planned Parenthood, reflecting his nuanced stance on abortion-related issues.
April 2017: Statement on North Korea
In April 2017, Joe Manchin stated that North Korea had "to understand that we will retaliate" following a North Korean official declaring a dangerous situation regarding thermonuclear war.
April 2017: Letter to Trump on Chinese Steel
In April 2017, Joe Manchin was one of eight Democratic senators to sign a letter to President Trump regarding government-subsidized Chinese steel hurting the American steel industry, urging Trump to raise the issue with China's President Xi Jinping.
April 2017: HIRE Veterans Act passed
In April 2017, the HIRE Veterans Act, which was co-sponsored by Manchin, passed. The act establishes a tiered recognition program within the Department of Labor to award employers based on their contributions to veteran employment.
June 2017: Warning about opioid crisis and Obamacare repeal
In June 2017, Joe Manchin and Bob Casey Jr. warned that repealing Obamacare would worsen the opioid crisis.
June 2017: Co-sponsorship of Israel Anti-Boycott Act
In June 2017, Joe Manchin co-sponsored the Israel Anti-Boycott Act (S.270), which aimed to criminalize participation in boycotts against Israel and Israeli settlements.
June 2017: Support of Trump's withdrawal from Paris climate accord
In June 2017, Joe Manchin supported President Donald Trump's withdrawal from the Paris climate accord, stating his support for a "cleaner energy future" but criticizing the deal for failing to balance the environment and the economy.
June 2017: Vote against Senate resolution disapproving arms sales to Saudi Arabia
In June 2017, Joe Manchin was one of five Democrats who voted against a Senate resolution disapproving of arms sales to Saudi Arabia, ensuring its failure.
July 2017: Working on a new health-care program
In July 2017, Joe Manchin said that he was one of about ten senators from both parties who had been "working together behind the scenes" to formulate a new health-care program, but that there was otherwise insufficient bipartisanship on the issue.
July 26, 2017: Opposition to Trump's Proposed Ban on Transgender Service
On July 26, 2017, Joe Manchin voiced opposition to President Trump's proposed ban on transgender service in the United States military.
August 2017: Public Clash with Patrick Morrisey
In August 2017, Patrick Morrisey publicly asked Joe Manchin to resign from the Senate Democratic leadership, leading to a heated response from Manchin, demonstrating political tensions.
September 2017: Skepticism of single-payer health care system
In September 2017, Joe Manchin released a statement expressing skepticism that a single-payer health care system was "the right solution." He noted his support for the Senate considering "all of the options through regular order so that we can fully understand the impacts of these ideas on both our people and our economy."
October 2017: Comments Following the Las Vegas Shooting
In October 2017, Joe Manchin said that progress on gun legislation would require President Trump's support and suggested reviving the Manchin-Toomey bill if it could attract enough Republican cosponsors, following the Las Vegas shooting.
November 2017: Co-sponsorship of bill to broaden ability to prevent foreign purchases of U.S. firms
In November 2017, Joe Manchin was one of nine senators to cosponsor a bill that would broaden the federal government's ability to prevent foreign purchases of U.S. firms.
November 2017: Response to West Virginia Commerce Department Agreement with China Energy
In November 2017, after the West Virginia Commerce Department announced an agreement with China Energy to invest $83.7 billion in shale gas development and chemical manufacturing projects in West Virginia, Joe Manchin expressed his enthusiasm for the signing.
2017: Proposal to President Trump to address the opioid crisis
During 2017, Joe Manchin took "an unusual proposal" to President Trump to address the opioid crisis and called for a "war on drugs" that involves not punishment but treatment. He also proposed the LifeBOAT Act, which would fund treatment.
2017: Manchin Becomes Honorary Co-Chair of No Labels Again
In 2017, Joe Manchin once again became an honorary co-chair of No Labels, rejoining the bipartisan organization after previously stepping down.
2017: Support for Shayrat Missile Strike
In 2017, Joe Manchin supported the Shayrat missile strike launched by President Trump in response to a chemical weapons attack allegedly perpetrated by the Syrian Government.
2017: Voted Against Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
In 2017, Joe Manchin voted against the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, differing from many of his colleagues and highlighting his fiscal policy positions.
January 2018: Manchin Votes for Bill to Ban Abortion After 20 Weeks
In January 2018, Joe Manchin joined two other Democrats and most Republicans in voting for a bill to ban abortion after 20 weeks, demonstrating his conservative leanings on abortion.
January 2018: Vote to confirm Alex Azar as Health Secretary
In January 2018, Joe Manchin was one of six Democrats who broke with their party to vote to confirm Trump's nominee for Health Secretary, Alex Azar.
January 2018: Opposed the Government Shutdown
In January 2018, Manchin opposed the government shutdown, with The New York Times reporting he threatened not to run for reelection unless Democrats ended it.
February 14, 2018: Cosponsors Bill to Apply Tax Code Provisions to Same-Sex Couples
On February 14, 2018, Joe Manchin cosponsored S.515, a bill that would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to clarify that all provisions shall apply to legally married same-sex couples in the same manner as other married couples.
February 2018: Congressional Quarterly Study Finds Manchin Voted with Trump 71% of the Time
In February 2018, a Congressional Quarterly study reported that Joe Manchin voted with President Trump's position 71% of the time during Trump's first year in office.
March 2018: Blaming China for Trump's Tariffs
In March 2018, Joe Manchin blamed China for President Trump's imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.
March 2018: Gun Control Law Comments After Stoneman Douglas Shooting
In March 2018, in an interview a month after the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, Joe Manchin suggested that the Manchin-Toomey bill should serve as the base for a new gun control law. He stated Trump expressing support for background checks would set his legacy and give Republicans enough cover to support this in a reasonable way.
May 2018: Accusation Against Kim Jong-un
In May 2018, Joe Manchin accused Kim Jong-un of accelerating "the nuclear threat" of North Korea to receive concessions and stated Kim was "in a serious, serious problem with his country and the people in his country" without China.
June 2018: Manchin Urges Trump to Appoint a Centrist Supreme Court Justice
In June 2018, after Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy's retirement, Joe Manchin urged Trump not to appoint a judge who would seek to overturn Roe v. Wade but to instead choose a "centrist".
June 18, 2018: Opposition to Trump administration family separation policy
On June 18, 2018, Joe Manchin came out against the Trump administration's family separation policy.
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.
October 2018: Criticism of McConnell's Entitlement Reform Comments
In October 2018, Joe Manchin strongly opposed entitlement reform, calling Mitch McConnell's comments on reforming Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare "absolutely ridiculous."
November 2018: Renewed Calls for Troop Withdrawal from Afghanistan
In November 2018, after the deaths of three American soldiers in Afghanistan, Joe Manchin renewed his calls for the withdrawal of American troops from the country.
December 2018: Manchin Holds Renomination of Brendan Carr
In December 2018, after the FCC announced a pause on the funding program for wireless broadband during an investigation, Joe Manchin announced his intent to hold the renomination of Brendan Carr in protest. He lifted the hold the following week after the FCC promised to prioritize wireless broadband in rural areas.
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.
2018: Secured Provision in Opioid Crisis Response Act
In 2018, Joe Manchin secured a provision in the Opioid Crisis Response Act that ensured additional opioid funding for West Virginia after the bill had previously granted funding based on states' overall opioid overdose death counts as opposed to the overdose death rate.
2018: Won Second Senate Term
In 2018, Joe Manchin secured a second term in the U.S. Senate, continuing his representation of West Virginia in Congress.
2018: Challenged in Democratic Primary by Paula Jean Swearengin
In 2018, Joe Manchin was challenged in the Democratic primary by Paula Jean Swearengin, an activist and coal miner's daughter, but he won the primary with 70% of the vote.
2018: Voted to ease Dodd-Frank banking rules
In 2018, Manchin was among 17 Democrats who voted with Republicans to ease the Dodd-Frank banking regulations.
2018: Emphasis on support for Obamacare in reelection campaign
In 2018, during his reelection campaign, Joe Manchin emphasized his support for Obamacare, running an ad where he criticized a lawsuit that sought to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
2018: Signals Opposition to Build Back Better Act
In December 2021, the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), which represents West Virginia coal miners and endorsed Manchin in the 2018 United States Senate election in West Virginia, urged him to revisit his opposition to the Biden-supported Build Back Better Act
2018: American Miners Act of 2019
In January 2019, the American Miners Act also ensured that miners affected by the 2018 coal company bankruptcies would not lose their health care.
January 2019: Support for Bills to End Government Shutdown
In January 2019, Joe Manchin supported both Republican and Democratic bills to end a government shutdown, being the only Democrat to break from his party and vote in favor of the Republican proposal.
January 2019: Cosponsored VA Provider Accountability Act
In January 2019, Manchin was a cosponsor of the VA Provider Accountability Act, a bipartisan bill meant to authorize the under secretary of health to report "major adverse personnel actions" related to certain health care employees at the National Practitioner Data Bank along with applicable state licensing boards.
February 2019: Drafting of Middle East Policy Bill
In February 2019, Joe Manchin and Marco Rubio drafted a Middle East policy bill with provisions rebuking President Trump and authorizing state governments to punish companies opposing Israel.
February 2019: Manchin Comments on Collapse of Education Reform Proposal
In February 2019, Joe Manchin attributed the collapse of an omnibus education reform proposal to state lawmakers not laying the groundwork for broad support and emphasized the need for public hearings and engagement.
February 2019: Opposition to the Green New Deal
In February 2019, Joe Manchin expressed his opposition to the Green New Deal after Mitch McConnell called for a vote on the plan.
March 2019: Cosponsored bill to undo Tax Cuts and Jobs Act drafting error
In March 2019, Manchin cosponsored a bipartisan bill to correct a drafting error in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, allowing businesses to immediately deduct renovation costs.
March 18, 2019: Only Senate Democrat Not Cosponsoring the Equality Act
As of March 18, 2019, Joe Manchin was the only member of the Senate Democratic Caucus who was not a cosponsor of the Equality Act, citing concerns about sufficient guidance for local officials implementing it.
April 2019: Endorsement of Susan Collins
In April 2019, Joe Manchin endorsed Republican senator Susan Collins in her 2020 reelection campaign.
April 2019: Vote to confirm David Bernhardt as Secretary of the Interior
In April 2019, Joe Manchin was one of three Democratic senators who voted with Republicans to confirm David Bernhardt, an oil executive, as Secretary of the Interior.
April 2019: Cosponsored Protecting Jessica Grubb's Legacy Act
In April 2019, Manchin cosponsored the Protecting Jessica Grubb's Legacy Act, which authorized medical records sharing for substance use disorder patients and aimed to prevent unintentional opioid prescriptions.
May 2019: Manchin Introduces Disaster Recovery Funding Act
In May 2019, Joe Manchin and John Cornyn introduced the Disaster Recovery Funding Act, a bill intended to release $16 billion for disaster relief funding within 60 days to nine states and two U.S. Territories. The bill aimed to address delays in funding since floods in West Virginia in June 2016.
May 2019: Letter to Attorney General Barr on the Affordable Care Act
In May 2019, Joe Manchin and Susan Collins wrote a letter to Attorney General William Barr, stating that the Affordable Care Act "is quite simply the law of the land, and it is the Administration's and your Department's duty to defend it." They asserted that Congress could "work together to fix legislatively the parts of the law that aren't working."
May 2019: Cosponsorship of South China Sea and East China Sea Sanctions Act
In May 2019, Joe Manchin cosponsored the South China Sea and East China Sea Sanctions Act, a bill intended to disrupt China's claims of jurisdiction over the sea and air space in disputed zones.
May 2019: Announced $600,000 in funding for West Virginia opioid response
In May 2019, Manchin announced $600,000 in funding for West Virginia through the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program. He emphasized his commitment to fighting the opioid epidemic and helping West Virginians.
July 2019: Called for $1.4 Billion Settlement for Opioid Epidemic Resources
In July 2019, Manchin called for a $1.4 billion settlement from Reckitt Benckiser Group to be allocated to programs and resources addressing the opioid epidemic.
July 2019: Introduced Providing Veterans Access to In-State Tuition Act
In July 2019, Manchin introduced the Providing Veterans Access to In-State Tuition Act, enabling student veterans to receive in-state tuition rates at public schools by removing a three-year post-discharge requirement.
August 1, 2019: Statement Against Bipartisan Budget Deal
On August 1, 2019, Joe Manchin, along with Tom Carper, Mitt Romney, and Rick Scott, issued a statement asserting that they could not vote for the bipartisan budget deal that raised spending over current levels by $320 billion and lifted the debt ceiling due to fiscal concerns.
August 2019: Manchin Announces Disaster Relief Funding for West Virginia
In August 2019, Joe Manchin announced $106 million in disaster relief funding for West Virginia, providing resources for recovery efforts.
August 2019: Manchin Sends Letters to FCC Chairman Highlighting Broadband Coverage Issues
In August 2019, Joe Manchin sent FCC Chairman Ajit Pai eight letters that contained results from speed tests across West Virginia as part of an effort to highlight incorrect broadband coverage maps in the state.
August 2019: Announced grants for homeless veterans aid
In August 2019, Manchin announced over $7 million in grants to aid homeless veterans under the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program.
August 2019: Statements Following El Paso and Dayton Shootings
In August 2019, following mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton, Joe Manchin stated that President Trump had "a golden opportunity" to improve safety by supporting background checks. He also disagreed with Steve Scalise's position on existing background check measures.
September 2019: Vote on homeland security measure
In September 2019, Joe Manchin was the only Democrat on the Senate Appropriations panel to vote for a $71 billion homeland security measure that granted Trump the $5 billion he had previously requested to build roughly 200 miles of fencing along the U.S.-Mexico border.
2019: Manchin Votes for Bill Requiring Care for Infants Born Alive After Failed Abortion
In 2019, Joe Manchin was one of three Democrats to join all Republicans in voting for a bill requiring doctors to care for infants born alive after a failed abortion, highlighting his conservative stance on abortion issues.
2019: Introducing the American Miners Act
In January 2019, Joe Manchin was one of six Democratic senators to introduce the American Miners Act of 2019, a bill to amend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to help prevent the insolvency of the 1974 Pension Plan due to coal company bankruptcies and the 2008 financial crisis.
May 2020: Manchin Receives Significant Funding from Oil and Gas Industry
Starting in May 2020, Joe Manchin received the most funding from the oil and gas industry of any senator, including $1.6 million in donations from fossil fuel PACs, until May 2021.
November 10, 2020: Manchin Expresses Doubt About D.C. Statehood
In a November 10, 2020, interview, Joe Manchin said that he did not "see the need for the D.C. statehood with the type of services that we're getting in D.C. right now" and that he was "not convinced that's the way to go."
2020: Key Swing Vote in the Senate
After the 2020 elections, Joe Manchin became a key swing vote in the Senate, where the Democrats and Republicans had a 50-50 split, giving him significant influence.
2020: Financial Disclosure of Enersystems Holdings
In 2020, a financial disclosure revealed that Joe Manchin's non-public shares of Enersystems were worth between $1 million and $5 million, with over $500,000 received in dividends that year.
2020: Manchin Signs Letter Urging EPA to Give States More Time to Comply with Power Plant Rule
Joe Manchin signed a letter to the EPA urging it to eliminate the 2020 targets in the final rule in December 2014, reflecting concerns about the impact on West Virginia's coal industry.
January 10, 2021: Manchin Comments on Statehood for D.C. and Puerto Rico
In a January 10, 2021, interview, Joe Manchin did not affirm his opposition to statehood for D.C. or Puerto Rico, saying only, "I don't know enough about that yet. I want to see the pros and cons. So I'm waiting to see all the facts".
February 2, 2021: Opposed $15 federal minimum wage
On February 2, 2021, Manchin announced his opposition to increasing the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 per hour, suggesting a smaller increase to $11 and index-linking above that amount.
March 2021: Vote on Amendment Regarding Transgender Athletes
In March 2021, Joe Manchin was the only Democrat to vote for a failed amendment to rescind funding from public schools that allow transgender youth to participate in the sporting teams of their gender identity.
April 30, 2021: Manchin Comes Out Against D.C. Statehood Bill
On April 30, 2021, Joe Manchin publicly opposed the D.C. Statehood bill that had passed the House of Representatives, suggesting that D.C. could instead be given statehood by constitutional amendment.
May 2021: Manchin Receives Significant Funding from Oil and Gas Industry
Until May 2021, Joe Manchin received the most funding from the oil and gas industry of any senator since May 2020, including $1.6 million in donations from fossil fuel PACs.
June 6, 2021: Expressed Opposition to the For the People Act
On June 6, 2021, Manchin expressed his opposition to the For the People Act due to its lack of bipartisan support, while supporting a reinforced version of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. This stance led to accusations of supporting Jim Crow laws from some Democratic lawmakers.
June 2021: ExxonMobil Lobbyist Keith McCoy Comments on Manchin
In June 2021, ExxonMobil lobbyist Keith McCoy stated that Joe Manchin was a key target for funding and that he participated in weekly meetings with the company.
September 30, 2021: Manchin Confronted About Potential Conflict of Interest
On September 30, 2021, Joe Manchin was questioned by an MSNBC news reporter about a potential conflict of interest related to his company, Enersystems, and its connection to the Build Back Better Act. Manchin responded that his assets were in a blind trust.
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.
October 2021: Named a "climate villain" by The Guardian
In October 2021, The Guardian named Joe Manchin one of the United States' top "climate villains", asserting that he uses his position to hold climate legislation hostage on behalf of the fossil fuel industry.
December 2021: Expresses displeasure with pressure tactics over Build Back Better Act
In December 2021, Joe Manchin expressed displeasure with the tactics Democrats used to pressure him into supporting the Build Back Better Act, stating, "They figure, 'surely to God we can move one person. Surely, we can badger and beat one person up.'"
December 2021: Signals 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 his opposition.
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: Opposition to the "Clean Electricity Performance Program"
In 2021, Joe Manchin opposed the "Clean Electricity Performance Program" in a budget reconciliation bill, which led to its removal from the bill.
2021: Republicans Urge Manchin to Join Republican Party
In 2021, during his opposition to the Biden-supported Build Back Better bill, several Republicans urged Joe Manchin to join the Republican Party, with figures like Mitch McConnell and others suggesting the move on Fox News appearances.
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.
January 2022: Spent Heavily on Private Security
In January 2022, it was reported that Joe Manchin "spent heavily on private security" during the last three months of 2021 due to progressive protests and specific threats.
February 6, 2022: Manchin Endorses Lisa Murkowski
On February 6, 2022, Joe Manchin endorsed Senator Lisa Murkowski in her reelection campaign that year, strengthening their bipartisan relationship.
February 2022: Manchin Votes Against Women's Health Protection Act
In February 2022, Joe Manchin was the only Democratic senator to vote against the Women's Health Protection Act, an abortion proposal that would have limited states' ability to restrict abortion access.
March 2022: Drafting of Ban Russian Energy Imports Act
In March 2022, during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Joe Manchin and Lisa Murkowski led the drafting of the Ban Russian Energy Imports Act.
March 25, 2022: Announced Vote to Confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson
On March 25, 2022, Joe Manchin announced that he would vote to confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court.
May 2022: Manchin Opposes Women's Health Protection Act Again
In May 2022, Joe Manchin stated that he would again vote against the Women's Health Protection Act, which included codifying federal abortion rights, citing that the bill went too far. He indicated support for a narrower measure that still included codifying Roe.
July 27, 2022: Expresses Support for Inflation Reduction Act
On July 27, 2022, Joe Manchin expressed his support for the Inflation Reduction Act after negotiations with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
August 7, 2022: Senate Passes Inflation Reduction Act
On August 7, 2022, the Senate passed the Inflation Reduction Act on a 51–50 vote, with Joe Manchin voting in favor and Vice President Kamala Harris breaking a tie.
September 2022: Manchin Voted with Biden 88.9% of the Time
As of September 2022, Joe Manchin had voted with President Biden 88.9% of the time, indicating a shift in alignment compared to the Trump presidency.
November 2022: Votes to Pass Respect for Marriage Act
In November 2022, Joe Manchin reversed his prior position and voted to advance and pass legislation, the Respect for Marriage Act, which protects same-sex marriages under federal law.
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.
2022: Donald Trump Suggests Manchin Should Have Joined the Republican Party
In 2022, former Republican president Donald Trump wrote in a Truth Social post that Joe Manchin should have been brought into the Republican Party long ago, reflecting ongoing speculation about Manchin's political alignment.
January 2023: Voted with Biden's Position 87.9% of the Time
As of January 2023, Joe Manchin had voted with President Biden's position 87.9% of the time, according to FiveThirtyEight, while his ability to deny Democrats a majority made him very influential.
February 2023: Report on Manchin's Displeasure with Inflation Reduction Act Implementation
In February 2023, Politico reported that Joe Manchin was "livid" over how the Biden administration was implementing the Inflation Reduction Act, particularly regarding delays in new guidelines on electric vehicle tax credits.
May 2023: Manchin Stoked Presidential Run Rumors
In May 2023, Joe Manchin refused to rule out running for president of the United States as a third-party candidate in 2024, stoking rumors by holding a call with No Labels supporters and meeting with influential community leaders from Iowa.
June 2023: Refused to Rule Out Presidential Run
In June 2023, Joe Manchin refused to rule out running for president as a third-party candidate instead of seeking reelection, amidst urging from fellow senators to seek reelection.
June 2023: Manchin Stoked Presidential Run Rumors
In June 2023, Joe Manchin refused to rule out running for president of the United States as a third-party candidate in 2024, continuing to fuel speculation about his presidential ambitions.
July 17, 2023: Manchin Headlines No Labels Town Hall in New Hampshire
On July 17, 2023, Joe Manchin, serving as a No Labels National Co-Chair, headlined a No Labels Common Sense Agenda Town Hall in Manchester, New Hampshire, alongside former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman Jr.
November 9, 2023: Manchin Announces He Will Not Seek Reelection in 2024
On November 9, 2023, Joe Manchin announced that he will not seek reelection in 2024, citing months of deliberation with his family and a desire to travel the country to explore creating a movement to mobilize the middle.
November 2023: Manchin Announces He Will Not Run for Reelection
In November 2023, Joe Manchin announced that he would not be running for reelection to the Senate, signaling a significant shift in his political career.
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: Lugar Center Ranked Manchin Fourth Among Senators for Bipartisanship
In 2023, the Lugar Center ranked Joe Manchin fourth among senators for bipartisanship, acknowledging his efforts to work across party lines.
2023: Global Energy Crisis
In 2023, the global energy crisis ended, it influenced Joe Manchin's support for the Inflation Reduction Act.
February 15, 2024: Manchin Discusses Potential Running Mates
On February 15, 2024, during a City Club of Cleveland forum, Joe Manchin mentioned U.S. senator Mitt Romney or former U.S. senator Rob Portman as potential running mates if he were to run for president.
February 16, 2024: Manchin Announces He Will Not Run for President
On February 16, 2024, Joe Manchin announced that he would not be running for president of the United States.
May 31, 2024: Manchin Announced Filing as an Independent
On May 31, 2024, Joe Manchin announced that he would leave the Democratic Party and file as an independent, accusing both parties of "partisan extremism."
July 2024: Introduces Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024
In July 2024, Joe Manchin and John Barrasso introduced S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which aims to speed up the permitting process for energy infrastructure and mineral development projects.
July 21, 2024: Manchin Expresses Interest in Running for President at DNC
After President Biden withdrew from the 2024 race on July 21, 2024, Joe Manchin expressed interest in running for president at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, but opted not to, citing a preference for an open contest and later refused to endorse Kamala Harris due to her stance on the filibuster.
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: Announced He Will Not Run for Reelection
In 2024 Joe Manchin announced that he will not be running for reelection
2024: Manchin Announces He Would Not Seek Reelection in 2024
In 2024, Joe Manchin announced that he would not seek reelection in 2024, signaling the end of his Senate career.
2024: Manchin Leaves Democratic Party to Become Independent
In 2024, Joe Manchin left the Democratic Party to become an independent, and later announced he would not run for any office, influencing the political landscape.
2024: Manchin Registers as Independent and Declines Reelection
In 2024, Joe Manchin registered as an independent, announced he would not run for reelection, and voiced his regret over voting for the American Rescue Plan, claiming it contributed to increased inflation.
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.
2024: Manchin Considered Third Party Presidential Run
Throughout 2024, Joe Manchin was considered as a potential third party presidential candidate with support from the centrist group No Labels.
2025: Most Recent Democrat to Hold Statewide Office in West Virginia
As of 2025, Joe Manchin is the most recent official affiliated with the Democratic Party to hold a non-judicial statewide office in West Virginia.
2025: Finished holding U.S. Senate seat
Manchin held his U.S. Senate seat from 2010 until 2025.
