Manchin's decision has significant implications for the balance of power in the upper chamber.
Manchin will continue to caucus with Senate Democrats until the end of his term.
Senator Joe Manchin III announced switching his party registration to independent on May 31, 2024.
Senator Joe Manchin III, a Democratic senator from West Virginia, announced on May 31, 2024, that he has switched his party registration to independent. Manchin's decision comes after years of expressing dissatisfaction with both the Democratic and Republican parties for their partisan extremism and jeopardizing democracy. The senator made this announcement in a statement where he expressed his commitment to put country before party.
Manchin, who is not running for re-election, will continue to caucus with Senate Democrats until the end of his term. However, rumors persist that he may change his mind and run for office again as an independent. The deadline for independent candidates to declare their candidacies in West Virginia is August 1.
The senator's decision has significant implications for the balance of power in the upper chamber, as Democrats currently hold a razor-thin majority. Manchin's departure would make it more challenging for them to pass legislation and could potentially lead to a Republican takeover of the Senate.
Manchin has long been critical of both parties and their partisan extremism. He famously told colleagues,
Senator Joe Manchin III has switched his party registration to independent
Manchin has long expressed dissatisfaction with both parties and has criticized them for partisan extremism and jeopardizing democracy
Manchin's statement: '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. 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.'
Accuracy
]Senator Joe Manchin III has switched his party registration to independent[
Manchin will continue to caucus with Senate Democrats until the end of his term
Manchin is currently chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee
Manchin stated that he has seen both parties leave West Virginia and country behind for partisan extremism