announcer: this is cnn breaking news. tonight, west virginia senator joe manchin says he will not run for reelection, delivering a major throw to democrats hope to keep control of the senate in 2024. melanie zanona is up on capitol hill. does this open a seat that republicans could potential pick up next year? reporter: yeah, absolutely, wolf. this is a huge blow for the democrats. they were waiting on pins and needle to see what joe manchin was going to do. that s because west virginia will be one of the toughest seats for the democrats to defend next year. donald trump won the state by double-digit points. without an bandy there, it will be easier for republicans to flip that seat. even manchin was likely going to face a tough time winning the election. jim justice, the popular republican governor is running on the gop side. he s also endorsed by donald trump. so rpg are feeling quite confidence in a statement ahead of the senate gop arm said, we like our odds in an