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In 2023, U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin announced his retirement from the Senate, sparking speculation about a potential third-party presidential run. West Virginia saw record tax revenues and historic tax cuts, with Gov. Jim Justice passing the largest tax break in state history, returning approximately $750 million to taxpayers annually. However, Justice’s administration faced scandals, including issues within the West Virginia State Police that led to the resignation of Superintendent Col. Jan Cahill. Manchin plans to tour the country as part of a new moderate political advocacy group, while Justice recruited to run for Manchin’s Senate seat. The state ended fiscal year 2023 with a $1.8 billion surplus, surpassing all previous records. Despite the surplus, fiscal year 2024 may not see the same peak in tax collections. Year-to-date tax collections were $2.2 billion, leaving the state with a $286.2 million surplus. The surplus tax dollars were used for supplemental appropriations during an August special session. Manchin’s retirement has led to a competitive 2024 GOP primary for U.S. Senate, with Rep. Alex Mooney and veteran Zachary Shrewsbury running. The retirement of Sen. Manchin has significant implications for West Virginia politics, as the state navigates record tax revenues and cuts, along with ongoing scandals within the Justice administration.

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