Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W. Va.) suggested on Sunday that he hasn’t made a final decision about remaining in the Democratic Party.
Last week, Manchin released a statement criticizing the Senate for failing to pass his permitting reform amendment in the National Defense Authorization Act.
“As frustrating as the political games of Washington are, I will not give up. As I have said from my first day in office, I serve West Virginians and the American people with an independent voice not a political party,” Manchin said in the statement at the time.
Asked if there’s an advantage to becoming an Independent during an appearance on “Face the Nation” Sunday, Manchin signaled that he’s considering that option but is yet to make up his mind.
“If people are trying to stop something from doing so much good because of politics, thinking somebody else will get credit for it, let’s see how that plays out. And then I’ll let you know later what I decide to do,” he told host Margaret Brennan.
Manchin’s comments come after Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema announced she was leaving the Democratic Party to become an Independent earlier this month.
Manchin and Sinema have frustrated their Democratic colleagues in the current 50-50 Senate by blocking key aspects of President Joe Biden’s legislative agenda.
Both lawmakers are up for re-election in 2024.
[Featured Image: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty]
Manchin & Sinema were never Democrats, Moles for the Republicans!