Joe Manchin Switches Party, Registers as Independent

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Senator Joe Manchin, a conservative West Virginia Democrat who has said he will retire at the end of his term, on Friday switched his party registration to independent.

Manchin, who has been a key swing vote in the evenly divided Senate, has long been at odds with his party on issues such as climate change and gun control.

In a statement, Manchin said he made the decision to leave the Democratic Party after "careful consideration." He said he believes that registering as an independent will allow him to better represent the people of West Virginia.

"I have always put the people of West Virginia first," Manchin said. "I believe that registering as an independent will allow me to continue to do that without being beholden to any political party."

Manchin's decision to switch parties is a major blow to the Democratic Party, which is already facing an uphill battle in the upcoming midterm elections.

It is unclear how Manchin's decision will affect the balance of power in the Senate, but it could make it more difficult for Democrats to pass legislation.