Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., announced on Friday he is leaving the Democratic Party. He has registered as an independent.
Manchin, a longtime political moderate, made the switch at the West Virginia State Capitol. He is not running for re-election.
"From my first day in public service in 1982, I have always focused on doing what’s best for my state and my country," Manchin said. He emphasized his commitment to common sense and bipartisanship.
"I have never seen America through a partisan lens," he continued. Manchin has always aimed to bring people together.
"Since becoming a United States Senator in 2010, I have seen both parties leave West Virginia behind," Manchin stated. He criticized both Democrat and Republican parties for partisan extremism.
"Today, our national politics are broken," he declared. Manchin believes neither party is willing to compromise.
"To stay true to myself, I have decided to register as an independent," Manchin announced. He remains committed to putting country before party.
