Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., who was under consideration for a high-ranking post in Donald Trump's administration, has decided to stay in the Senate, The Hill reports.
Manchin's decision to remain in Congress came after meeting with President-elect Trump on Monday, according to the website. The senator said he was "humbled to be considered for the secretary of energy position," but added, "I believe that I can best serve my state of West Virginia in the United States Senate."
Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry is reportedly Trump's pick to be energy secretary.
Manchin said he is "committed to working with President Trump and his administration to find commonsense solutions to pass the Miner's Protection Act, solve our opioid crisis, rebuild our infrastructure, reform our broken tax code, keep faith with our veterans and build an economy that works for all Americans."
Politico reported just this week that departing Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid expected Manchin to join the Trump team.
"Joe Manchin obviously is running for a cabinet spot," Reid said.
Both men had been at odds in recent weeks over Reid's criticisms of Trump after the election, according to Politico.
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