Senator Joe Manchin III Officially Declares Independence

Longtime Democrat Switches to Independent Party

Move Leaves Democrats with Thin Senate Majority

Senator Joe Manchin III, the conservative West Virginia Democrat who has said he will retire at the end of his term on Friday, has switched his party affiliation to independent. This move leaves the Democrats with a slim 50-49 majority in the Senate.

Manchin's move was first reported by longtime West Virginia radio host Hoppy Kercheval. Despite his party change, Manchin has said that he will continue to caucus with the Democrats, giving them a de facto 51-49 majority.

Manchin has been a vocal critic of President Biden's agenda, and he has crossed party lines to support Republican initiatives on several occasions. His decision to become an independent is a further indication of the growing divide within the Democratic Party between its progressive and moderate wings.

Conclusion

Manchin's decision to leave the Democratic Party is a significant development that will have a major impact on the balance of power in the Senate. It is a sign that the Democratic Party is facing an uphill battle in the upcoming midterm elections, and it could embolden other moderate Democrats to follow Manchin's lead and leave the party.