BREAKING: West Virginia Dem Senator Joe Manchin will not run for re-election

The 76-year-old Democrat has served his state since 1982, working his way up from member of the WV House of Delegates to member of the United States Senate.

"After months of deliberation and long conversations with my family, I believe in my heart of hearts that I have accomplished what I set out to do for West Virginia," Manchin said. "I have made one of the toughest decisions of my life, and decided that I will not be running for re-election to United States Senate."

"To the West Virginians who have put their trust in me and fought side by side to make our state better, it has been my honor of my life to serve you, thank you."

He went on to explain that going forward, he will be touring the US to try and "mobilize the middle" and bring the country together.

"Every incentive in Washington is designed to make our politics extreme," Manchin lamented. "The growing divide between Democrats and Republicans is paralyzing Congress and worsening our nation's problems."

He noted that "the majority of Americans are just plain worn out," citing the fact that while politicians bicker, citizens continue to deal with inflation, a crisis at the southern border, and other issues impacting their day to day lives.

Manchin's retirement was celebrated by some who saw his seat as easily attainable for Republicans, thus making the prospect of a Democrat-controlled Senate less realistic come 2024.

This is a breaking story and will be updated.