With Biden Out, Joe Manchin Considers Rejoining Party to Challenge Harris For Nomination: CNN

CNN reports that sources close to Sen. Joe Manchin (I-WV) say the lawmaker is considering returning to the Democratic party to seek the party’s nomination, despite President Joe Biden endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris .

ABC News also reported that following Biden’s announcement Manchin reached out to former Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Donna Brazile to “inquire about the news.” Two sources also told the outlet that Manchin was considering returning to the party to challenge Harris.

Earlier Sunday, Manchin called for Biden to step down, saying it’s time for him to “pass the torch.” Biden announced his withdrawal from the race against Republican Donald Trump just a short time later.

“I’m hoping for that, because I think it will leave him with a tremendous legacy as one of the greatest leaders that we’ve had,” Manchin said CNN anchor Jake Tapper on State of the Union . “I say this, and I came to the decision with a heavy heart, that I think it’s time to pass the torch to a new generation.”

After Biden made the announcement, he praised and endorsed Harris as his successor to the Democratic presidential ticket. Moreover, Harris gained control of the Biden campaign’s $96 million war chest after she officially launch her presidential bid.

Prior yo the shake-up, CNN’s Manu Raju asked Manchin if he was closing on running for the Oval Office. At that time, Mancin told him, “I have not – I never leave any, you never leave any political opportunity and walk away from that, so you always have options, because life is full of surprises. But I have no intention of running for political office.”

Back in May, Manchin, 76, announced he was leaving the Democratic party and registering as an independent. Last year, Manchin said he was not not seeking another term in the Senate, opening a potential seat for Republicans hoping to flip the Senate.

However, multiple outlets are now reporting Manchin has reconsidered and actively looking into the possibility of running, after all.

A Harris ally told CNN they do not consider Manchin a “serious threat” if he is throw his hat into the presidential race.

Watch the clip above via CNN .