Nasser Beydoun, a prominent Arab American civil rights activist and businessman, has announced his run for the U.S. Senate in Michigan. As a frequent small-dollar donor to Michigan Democratic congressional and Senate candidates in past elections, he aims to bring America back to the kind of country that provided him with education, freedom, and opportunity.
In contrast to Beydoun's bid are Democrats who have declined running for office: Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson; Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg; and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow among others. Cook Political Report and the University of Virginia predict an early analysis result leaning towards Democrat representation in this race.
Meanwhile, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice (R-WV) is likely entering the race against Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Virginia), looking forward to unseating him as part of GOP's battle plan for flipping the Senate majority in 2024 elections. With a remarkable approval rating of 64%, Gov. Justice is considered as one of America's most popular governors – enjoying an approval score 24% higher than Senator Manchin.
Justice recently filed paperwork setting up his possible campaign against Sen.Joe Manchin III (D). He will first need to win a primary against five-term Rep.Alex Mooney(R), whom conservative Club for Growth pledged at least $10 million support for his race if he decides on it.
Gov.Jim Justice is expected to make an official announcement regarding his bid later Thursday during a “special announcement” event livestreamed via his YouTube channel from White Sulphur Springs resort owned by his family members.
The Republicans are already strategizing their moves ahead time on how they would stop Manchin from securing another term should he decide on running again next year after holding onto that seat since 2010. Senator Manchin, however, has remained reserved about his reelection campaign and is expected to make an announcement in early 2024.
In the event of Gov.Jim Justice's victory over Rep.Alex Mooney in the primary elections, he would pose a significant challenge against incumbent Joe Manchin who is considered a conservative Democrat.