The following is a statement from West Virginia AFL-CIO President Josh Sword regarding Senator Joe Manchin’s decision to not seek re-election to the U.S. Senate:

“First and foremost I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Senator Manchin for his many years of advocating on behalf of all West Virginians, in particular our working families. There is still a lot yet to be done, and I know I speak on behalf of so many in the West Virginia labor movement when I say we are looking forward to the months ahead of working with Senator Manchin to continue to grow our state’s economy, thanks in no small part to federal investments that will help create thousands of good paying jobs, with great benefits and safe workplaces. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”