In a significant political development, Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia has officially severed ties with the Democratic Party to register as an independent.
The announcement was made via a social media post on Friday morning, where Manchin stated, "My commitment to do everything I can to bring our country together has led me to register as an independent with no party affiliation."
In an official statement, Manchin elaborated on his decision, stating, From my first day in public service in 1982, I have always focused on doing whats best for my state and my country, without regard to party or politics. Throughout my days in elected office, I have always been proud of my commitment to common sense, bipartisanship and my desire to bring people together. Its who I am. Its who I will always be. I have never seen America through a partisan lens.
Manchin further criticized the current state of American politics, stating, However, since becoming a United States Senator in 2010, I have seen both the Democrat and Republican parties leave West Virginia and our country behind for partisan extremism while jeopardizing our democracy. Today, our national politics are broken and neither party is willing to compromise to find common ground. To stay true to myself and remain committed to put country before party, I have decided to register as an independent with no party affiliation and continue to fight for Americas sensible majority.
As reported by The Intelligencer Wheeling Register, speculation has been rife about Manchin potentially running for governor in West Virginia. His new status as an independent would make him eligible to run for office in the forthcoming November elections, should he decide to participate in the gubernatorial race.
Manchin has been known for his moderate stance within the Democratic Party, often collaborating with Republicans on various issues. As the 2024 election approaches, he has refrained from endorsing the incumbent President Joe Biden. Furthermore, the West Virginia Senator has hinted that he does not intend to seek re-election for the Senate.
Login