U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) wears a protective mask as he departs the U.S. Capitol on September 21, 2020 in Washington, DC. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) is planning to hold a vote to fill Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburgs Supreme Court seat, with U.S. President Donald Trump expected to unveil his nominee as early as Friday or Saturday. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)

Stefani Reynolds
U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-WV, wears a protective mask as he departs the U.S. Capitol on September 21, 2020 in Washington, DC.

Given the 50-50 split in the U.S. Senate, the centrist West Virginia Democrat will wield incredible influence — and likely face extraordinary pressure.