Reuters

Joe Manchin to Leave Democratic Party, Register as Independent

Longtime Democratic Senator from West Virginia Cites Ideological Differences

Says He Will Continue to Caucus with Democrats

WASHINGTON, May 31, 2024 - Senator Joe Manchin III, the conservative West Virginia Democrat who has said he will retire at the end of his term, announced on Friday that he is registering as an independent.

"I have come to the conclusion that to continue my service in the best interests of my state and our country, I must register as an independent," Manchin said in a statement released to the press. "After much thought and consideration, I have decided to remove myself from party politics and become an independent."

Manchin, who has spent his entire decades-long political career as a Democrat, said that he came to his decision after much deliberation and that he did not make it lightly. He emphasized that he would continue to caucus with the Democrats and that he would not caucus with the Republicans.

Manchin's decision to leave the Democratic Party is the latest in a series of defections by conservative Democrats in recent years. In 2022, former West Virginia Senator Jay Rockefeller also left the Democratic Party and registered as an independent.

Manchin's departure from the Democratic Party is a significant blow to the party, which has already lost its majority in the Senate. It is also a sign of the growing ideological divide within the Democratic Party, with some members calling for the party to move to the left and others calling for it to stay in the center.

Manchin's decision to leave the Democratic Party is likely to have a significant impact on the 2024 presidential election. It is possible that he could run for president as an independent, which could draw votes away from both the Democratic and Republican candidates.

In the meantime, Manchin says he intends to continue doing his job representing the people of West Virginia as long as possible. He would continue to vote with his district and feelings on specific issues.

Le Monde