West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin announced on Friday that he has officially left the Democratic Party and registered as an Independent. Manchin, a longtime centrist who has often confounded the policy agendas of more progressive Democrats, is not seeking reelection at the end of his term—but even on his way out, he intends to fight against “broken” national politics on behalf of “America’s sensible majority.”
In an X post announcing his party switch, 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.”
My commitment to do everything I can to bring our country together has led me to register as an independent with no party affiliation. pic.twitter.com/tvMB2N87AW
— Senator Joe Manchin (@Sen_JoeManchin) May 31, 2024
“From my first day in public service in 1982, I have always focused on doing what’s best for my state and my country, without regard to party or politics,” he continued in a statement obtained by Fox News. “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. It’s who I am. It’s who I will always be. I have never seen America through a partisan lens.”
“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,” he continued. “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 America’s sensible majority.”
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In late 2023, Manchin announced that he would not be seeking reelection at the end of his current term, which ends in November of this year. At the time, there were rumors that the senator was interested in launching a third-party campaign for president, but after time spent “traveling the country and speaking out to see if there’s an interest in creating a movement to mobilize the middle and bring Americans together,” Manchin put these plans to rest.
His party switch comes amid new rumors that he plans to run for governor of his home state, an office he previously held from 2005 to 2010. As an Independent, he would be eligible to challenge both the Democrat and Republican nominees—Huntington Mayor Steve Williams and State Attorney General Patrick Morrisey respectively—for the position. The deadline to file for a party change in West Virginia’s gubernatorial race is June 1.
Last week, Manchin downplayed these rumors, stating that Williams is a personal friend and calling him a “good person.” However, he did not decisively rule out the possibility of a run, and sources claim that a bipartisan group of donors “with financial resources” are encouraging him to join the race.
Connor Walcott is a staff writer for Valuetainment.com. Follow Connor on X and look for him on VT’s “The Unusual Suspects.”
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