![](https://i0.wp.com/wjpa.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Manchin-Joe-2.jpg?resize=220%2C168&ssl=1)
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) – West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin says he’s staying put in the U.S. Senate and won’t run for governor. The 72-year-old Manchin announced his decision on Tuesday after months of reflection. It means Manchin will steer clear of a potential showdown with incumbent Republican Gov. Jim Justice, who already has announced he’s seeking re-election. Earlier this year, Manchin became the top Democrat on the Senate Energy Committee, giving the coal-state lawmaker a prominent position to shape policy. But Manchin says he has become frustrated with a lack of Senate productivity and bipartisanship. Manchin also has sparred with Justice, who was elected governor as a Democrat in 2016, then switched to the Republican Party less than a year later. Manchin had endorsed Justice for governor.