Sen. Manchin is on the ropes in West Virginia in a hypothetical showdown with Gov. Jim Justice

The reelection prospects of Sen. Joseph Manchin III are trying shaky in West Virginia.

Eastern Carolina ECU Center for Survey Research launched a survey Tuesday displaying the incumbent Democrat trailing Republican Gov. Jim Justice by double digits in a hypothetical Senate race. Mr. Justice had a 54% to 32% lead over Mr. Manchin amongst registered voters within the state, in response to the ballot that confirmed the remaining 13% undecided.

Mr. Manchin has but to announce whether or not he’ll search reelection, signaling he might wait till the top of the yr. Mr. Justice, in the meantime, jumped within the race final month, becoming a member of Rep. Alex Mooney within the Republican main.

Mr. Manchin fared higher in opposition to Mr. Mooney within the survey.

The ballot confirmed Mr. Mooney at 41% and Mr. Manchin at 40%, with 18% undecided.

“Although it is still early, Jim Justice is the clear favorite to win in West Virginia’s 2024 U.S. Senate election,” stated Peter Francia, director of the ECU Center for Survey Research. “He is a popular Republican governor challenging an unpopular Democratic incumbent in a heavily Republican state.”

Indeed, Mr. Justice is extra well-liked than Mr. Manchin.

In the survey, 57% of respondents stated they approve of the best way Mr. Justice does his job, and 29% disapprove. It is a unique story with Mr. Manchin, as 33% approve of the best way he does his job, and 59% disapprove.