Joe Manchin's Biography

Joe Manchin is a prominent American politician and businessman, best known for serving as the senior United States Senator from West Virginia since 2010. Born on August 24, 1947, in Farmington, West Virginia, Manchin grew up in a family deeply involved in local business and public service. He attended West Virginia University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, before entering the world of business by running the family’s carpet and energy companies. Manchin's political career began in the West Virginia House of Delegates in 1982, eventually rising to become Governor of West Virginia from 2005 to 2010. As a Senator, he is recognized for his centrist and bipartisan approach, often serving as a key swing vote on critical national issues. His positions on energy and climate policy, particularly given his ties to the coal industry, have attracted both support and controversy. Outside of politics, Manchin enjoys boating, hunting, and spending time outdoors. He is married to Gayle Conelly Manchin and has three children. With an estimated net worth of $8.5 million in 2024, much of his wealth is attributed to his business ventures and public service salary. Joe Manchin’s influence continues to shape the national political landscape, especially in debates over energy, bipartisanship, and economic development.