West Virginia Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin said he is seriously considering leaving the Democratic party to become an Independent, saying in a Thursday interview that party politics have become “so bad.”
During the interview, West Virginia radio host Hoppy Kercheva asked Manchin about reports he is considering leaving the Democratic party.
“I’m thinking seriously,” Manchin responded. “I have to have peace of mind, basically. The brand has become so bad. The D brand and R brand … You’ve heard me say a million times, I am not a Washington Democrat.”
“I’ve been thinking about that for quite some time. I haven’t made any decisions whatsoever on any of my political direction. I want to make sure that my voice is truly an independent voice,” he added. “When I do speak, I want to be able to speak honestly about basically the extremes of the Democrat and Republican Party that’s harming our nation.” (RELATED: Manchin To Stay In Senate Amid Rumors Of West Virginia Gubernatorial Run)
Manchin is currently up for reelection in West Virginia and will likely face either Republican Gov. Jim Justice or Republican Rep. Alex Mooney. His Senate seat is considered to be the most vulnerable one in the country. (RELATED: West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice Endorses Trump For President In 2024)
Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema left the Democratic party in December, though she continues to caucus with the Democrats, as do Independent Sens. Angus King of Maine and Bernie Sanders of Vermont.