Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and now Brian Higgins (D-NY), on Thursday all joined the growing slate of Democrats reportedly departing Congress.
Manchin’s announcement put to bed years of speculation over the Senator’s future and soured Democrats’ already narrow chances of keeping their Senate seat in West Virginia.
To the West Virginians who have put their trust in me and fought side by side to make our state better – it has been an honor of my life to serve you. Thank you. My statement on my political future: pic.twitter.com/dz8JuXAyTL
— Senator Joe Manchin (@Sen_JoeManchin) November 9, 2023
Not long after Kilmer issued a statement announcing his own departure, writing: “I’m proud of what we have accomplished–but it is time for the next chapter.”
It has been one of the great honors of my life to serve as the Representative for Washington's 6th District in Congress. I’m proud of what we have accomplished – but it is time for the next chapter. I will not seek re-election in 2024.
— Rep. Derek Kilmer (@RepDerekKilmer) November 9, 2023
Read my full statement here: pic.twitter.com/6dJLMT1xCo
Higgins’ official announcement is slated for next week, but sources told WBEN and WIVB on Thursday that he is set to depart the House in the coming months to become the Chief Executive of Shea’s Buffalo Theatre, teeing up a special election to fill his seat.
Joe Manchin in one of the only politicians in history that has consistently voted on what the felt was right for the citizens of our country, not his party. He’ll be missed.
The debt reduction act he voted for was a total lie — 🐀fleeing the sinking barge
To ‘Pipeline Joe(RINO-WVA)’; way past his time to go!
Yeah him and every Democ🐀bastrds
BYE BYE DEMORATS
These 🐀know the garbage slow is sinking
Manchin only voted for his state never considered what was best for the rest of the country, concerning global warming. He only cared about getting reelected
Global Warming !!! LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL, it’s the biggest “Ponzi Scheme” in the world. The only people that believe in the BS are the weak minded of the world !