In a surprise move, United States Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia has announced his departure from the Democratic Party, registering as an Independent.
Citing concerns over “party extremism” displayed by both Democrats and Republicans, Manchin stated that his decision aims to put the nation’s interests above party affiliations.
The member of the Senate since 2010 declared that he will not seek re-election for another six-year term in the upcoming elections. He expressed that his values no longer align with the party’s ideals, prompting his decision to break away from the Democratic Party, according to Daily Post.
This development marks a significant shift in the political landscape, as Manchin’s centrist views and Independent status may influence his future policy decisions and collaborations in the Senate.
He said the decision to resign from the Democrats was borne from the need to place himself and the nation far above party affiliations given that the party ideals no longer aligned with his.
“Today, our national politics are broken and neither party is willing to compromise to find common ground,” Mr Manchin said in a statement Friday. “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.”
The Senator said both Dems and Reps have continued to take actions that could destroy U.S. democracy and he no longer wished to be identified as a Dem but as an Independent.
“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 jeopardising our democracy,” Mr Manchin wrote.
His resignation comes a day after 12 jurors convicted ex-president Donald Trump for falsifying his records and concealing information about a hush money payment to porn star, Stormy Daniels, days before the 2016 elections.
