WASHINGTON — Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia said Thursday that he will oppose Julie Su’s nomination to secretary of Labor, dealing a significant blow to the Californian’s prospects of securing confirmation.
Manchin announced his position on Thursday afternoon after declining for months to commit to a vote. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., told Politico Thursday that he would support Su’s bid, while Sens. Kyrsten Sinema. D-Ariz., and Jon Tester, D-Montana, have yet to state a position.
If either Sinema or Tester oppose Su, her nomination will probably die in the Senate, a setback for the influential labor figure and a dramatic blow to the White House, which has invested considerable time and resources in her bid.
