By John Mark Shaver, Fairmont News Editor
WASHINGTON, D.C. (WV News) — Sen. Joe Manchin III’s 42-year career in politics will come to a close at the end of 2024.
Looking back on his time as a state legislator, governor and U.S. senator, Manchin said he hopes he leaves behind a legacy of public service in the minds of his fellow West Virginians.
Manchin began his storied history in politics in 1982 when he was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates. Despite the long career that would follow, he said being an elected official was never his original plan.
“It wasn’t a lifelong passion of mine at all, but I was raised to believe that everyone has to give back and get involved,” Manchin said. “I watched my parents and grandparents … help people in hard times, so it was always in my DNA. …
“I got involved because the person who was representing our area at that time, I thought, was in it more for self-service than helping people. I jumped in there and I saw the opportunity that you could really help people.”
