Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia registers as independent, citing ‘partisan extremism’

By LISA MASCARO, KEVIN FREKING and LEAH WILLINGHAM
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia says he has registered as an independent, raising questions about his future political plans. Manchin would have faced a tough reelection in November if he had chosen to run. Manchin has often been at odds with the Democratic Party and an obstacle to many of President Joe Biden’s legislative priorities. Manchin said Friday in a statement that over the past 15 years, he has seen both major political parties leave their constituents behind “for partisan extremism while jeopardizing our democracy.” Manchin hasn’t disclosed if he’ll continue caucusing with Democrats in the Senate, where they hold a slim majority.