Manchin not running for president

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) is set to announce Friday that he will not run for president, ending long-running speculation that he would mount a third-party bid.

"I will not be seeking a third-party run. I will not be involved in a presidential run," Manchin said in remarks at West Virginia University. 

"I will be involved in making sure that we secure a president that has the knowledge and has the passion and has the ability to bring this country together," he said.  

The West Virginia senator, one of the most moderate Democrats in the Senate, already announced that he would not seek another term for his Senate seat, but he had previously not ruled out running for president.

The potential bid had spurred fears among Democrats that Manchin could've taken votes away from President Biden and acted as a spoiler.

Manchin had appeared at events for the organization No Labels, which is overseeing a ballot access initiative for a potential independent bid in November.

Spokesperson Jon Kott confirmed Manchin's plans ahead of his Friday remarks. 

Julia Mueller contributed.

Updated 11:50 a.m. ET.