Longtime Democrat To Step Down At End Of Term

Senator Joe Manchin Announces Retirement, Switches to Independent

Longtime Democrat to Step Down at End of Term

May 31, 2024 (Updated 3:49 PM UTC)

In a stunning announcement, Senator Joe Manchin III (D-WV) has announced his retirement from the Senate and his decision to register as an independent.

Manchin, a conservative Democrat from West Virginia, has been a key swing vote in the evenly divided Senate. His moderating influence has often frustrated both Democrats and Republicans.

In a statement released on Friday, Manchin said, "I have always been a West Virginian first, a Democrat second. This decision is about doing what's right for my constituents and my state."

Manchin's departure from the Democratic Party is a major setback for President Joe Biden, who has struggled to pass his legislative agenda in the face of Republican opposition.

It remains to be seen how Manchin's decision will impact the 2024 presidential election. As an independent, he could have a significant role in shaping the race.