Joe Manchin III Leaves Democratic Party, Registers as Independent
Conservative Democrat Switches Party Affiliation
Longtime Moderate Announces Departure from Dems
West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin III, a conservative Democrat who has often been a thorn in his party's side, has officially left the Democratic Party and registered as an independent. The move, announced on Friday, marks a significant shift in the political landscape of the deeply divided state.
Manchin, who has spent his entire decades-long political career as a Democrat, has repeatedly clashed with his party on key issues such as climate change, gun control, and social welfare programs. In recent years, he has become increasingly critical of President Biden and has voted against several major administration initiatives.
Manchin's decision to leave the Democratic Party is unlikely to affect the balance of power in the Senate, as he has pledged to continue caucusing with the Democrats. However, it could further erode the party's already slim majority and make it more difficult for Biden to pass his legislative agenda.
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