Joe Manchin leaves Democratic Party and registers as independent

Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia said Friday he has left the Democratic Party to become an independent with no party affiliation.

“Today, our national politics are broken and neither party is willing to compromise to find common ground,” Manchin said in a statement. “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.”

Despite the change in party, Senate Democrats will maintain their one-seat majority of 51 to 49.

Manchin’s office initially declined to address whether he would still caucus with Democrats as an independent, such as what Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) did when she left the party in 2022. A spokesperson later reversed course, confirming that “nothing will change with caucusing with the Democrats,” a move that allows the Senate Energy Committee chairman to keep his gavel.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) did not respond to a request for comment. It was not clear whether Manchin made him aware of the decision before it was announced publicly.