The WSJ reports that Sen. Joe Manchin (D., W.Va.) is contemplating a departure from the Democratic Party to become an independent. During a West Virginia radio program, Manchin expressed his considerations, stating, “I would think very seriously about that. Representing a predominantly Republican state, Manchin's potential re-election campaign would undoubtedly be challenging. As for his decision timeline, Manchin is expected to announce his intentions close to the filing deadline next January. He won his last election by 3% pointsRecall, Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I., Ariz.) (another tweener with influence in the Senate) transitioned to being an independent last year but continues to align with the Democratic caucus.

Source: Wall Street Journal August 11, 2023 09:52 UTC