Jul 25, 2022 - Politics & Policy

Manchin tests positive for COVID

Erin Doherty

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) walks out of the Senate Chambers in the U.S. Capitol on July 21, 2022 in Washington, DC. — Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) walks out of the Senate Chambers in the U.S. Capitol on July 21. Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) said Monday he tested positive for COVID-19 and is "experiencing mild symptoms."

Why it matters: The senator's positive test means he may not be able to vote in the 50-50 Senate this week, as Senate Democrats are trying to push through key legislation, including the reconciliation package, before the August recess.

Another key moderate senator, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), also said Monday that she has tested positive for COVID-19.

Driving the news: "This morning I tested positive for COVID-19. I am fully vaccinated and boosted and am experiencing mild symptoms," Manchin wrote in a tweet.

"I will isolate and follow CDC guidelines as I continue to work remotely to serve West Virginians," he said.
"After experiencing flu like symptoms I recently tested positive for COVID-19. I will be following guidance and advice from doctors and will be quarantining at home in Alaska while continuing my work remotely," Murkowski said on Twitter.

The big picture: The lawmakers' positive tests come after President Biden tested positive for COVID last week.

Go deeper... Biden likely infected by highly contagious BA.5 subvariant

Editor's note: This story has been updated with information on Sen. Lisa Murkowski's positive COVID-19 test.

Add Axios on Google

Manchin tests positive for COVID

What to read next