West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, a longtime political moderate, announced Friday that he is leaving the Democratic Party and registered as an independent.
In a news release, Manchin, who is not running for re-election, said he changed his party affiliation at the West Virginia State Capitol.
“Since my first day in public service in 1982, I have always focused on doing what is best for my state and my country, regardless of party or politics. Throughout my days in elected office, I have always been proud of my commitment to community, bipartisanship and my desire to bring people together, it is who I am and what I will always be. I have never seen America through a partisan lens.
“However, since becoming a United States Senator in 2010, I have watched the Democratic and Republican parties leave West Virginia and our country behind on partisan extremism while endangering our democracy. Today , our national politics is broken and neither party is willing to budge. “To find common ground, to stay true to myself, and to remain committed to putting country before party, I have decided to register as an independent without party affiliation and keep fighting. by the sensible majority of the United States.”
JOE MANCHIN FACE PRESSURE FOR 11TH-HOUR RACE TO SECURE CRITICAL SEAT FOR DEMOCRATS
Senator Joe Manchin, IW.Va., registered as an independent in the West Virginia state capital on Friday, May 31, 2024. (@Sen_JoeManchin)
Manchin's surprise decision comes amid reports that moderate Republicans dissatisfied with the party's nominee, state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, are encouraging him to run for governor of West Virginia.
When asked about those reports last week, Manchin downplayed the rumors but did not dismiss them. He said the Democratic candidate, Huntington Mayor Steve Williams, is a friend.
MANCHIN ON THE OUTLOOK FOR 2024: IT WOULD NEVER BE A SPOILER
Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV) speaks during a “Politics & Eggs” event at the New Hampshire Institute Politics at St. Anselm College on January 12, 2024 in Manchester, New Hampshire. Manchin has declared that he will not run for re-election in November. (Scott Eisen/Getty Images)
“I heard that this morning, the rumors. I've supported my friend Steve Williams, we've known each other for 40 years, I got him involved. He's a good person. I don't know what's going on. Basically, I'll wait until I get home,” Manchin said.
He MetroNews West Virginia The report cited sources “close” to the senator as saying that at least 20 Republicans “with financial resources” have encouraged Manchin to run for governor.
WEST VIRGINIA'S MANCHIN ADDRESSES REPORT THAT HE IS BEING RECRUITED TO RUN FOR GOVERNOR
Manchin previously declined to run for president as a third-party candidate challenging incumbent Democratic President Biden and the presumptive Republican nominee, former President Trump. (Getty Images)
Since that report was published, Manchin was allegedly bombarded by people urging him to run at an event at the Greenbrier resort in White Sulfur Springs, according to WVMetroNews. The Greenbrier is notably owned by the state's current governor, Democrat-turned-Republican Jim Justice, who is term-limited and now the Republican Senate candidate to replace Manchin.
“Rumors about Joe Manchin running again for governor of West Virginia are real,” wrote Hoppy Kercheval, a news anchor and one of the state's most recognizable media figures.
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The Democratic primary ended and Manchin was unable to run for governor as a Democrat. But his sudden and unexpected decision to become an independent opens the door to a run for the governor's mansion, or even a re-election effort for the Senate.
Fox News has reached out to Manchin's office for comment.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
