Sen. Joe Manchin (R-West Carolina, Virginia), a longtime moderate, announced Friday he was leaving the Democratic Party and registering as an independent.
Manchin, who is not seeking reelection, said in a statement that he had changed party affiliations at the West Virginia Capitol.
“From my first day in office in 1982, I have always been focused on doing what’s best for our state and our country, regardless of party or politics. Since I’ve served in public office, I’ve always prided myself on my dedication to common sense, bipartisanship and the desire to bring people together. That’s who I am and that will always be who I am. I have never viewed America through a partisan lens,” Manchin said.
“But since becoming a U.S. Senator in 2010, I have watched as both Democrats and Republicans left West Virginia and our country behind for partisan extremism and put our democracy at risk. Today, our politics are fractured, with neither party willing to compromise and find common ground. To stay true to myself and my commitment to putting country above party, I have decided to register as an Independent and continue to fight for America’s decent majority.”
This is a developing story and will be updated.
