Sen. Joe Manchin Contemplates Leaving Democratic Party to Become an Independent

Senator Joe Manchin has stated that he has "absolutely" considered becoming an independent, expressing frustration with the extremes of both the Democratic and Republican parties. While keeping his political plans undisclosed, Manchin has criticized the Biden administration's implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act, which he helped write, and has not ruled out running for president in 2024. If he were to leave the Democratic Party, he would join fellow moderate Senator Kyrsten Sinema as an independent. Manchin's decision could have implications for the balance of power in the Senate.