Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) announced he wouldn't seek another term, fueling speculation he's gearing up for a presidential run. Meanwhile, new speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-La.) is facing a major challenge to avoid a government shutdown next week, and statewide elections throughout the country this week led to good results for Democrats.

Plus, a farewell to Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and Xiao Qi Ji.

This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional correspondent Claudia Grisales, voting correspondent Ashley Lopez, and senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro.

The podcast is edited by Casey Morell. It is produced by Jeongyoon Han. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.

Unlock access to this and other bonus content by supporting The NPR Politics Podcast+. Sign up via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.

Connect:
Email the show at [email protected]
Join the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group.
Subscribe to the NPR Politics Newsletter.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy