Long-Time Democrat Joe Manchin Quits Party, Registers as Independent

  • West Virginia senator still to caucus with Democratic Party
  • Decision opens door to possible Manchin gubernatorial run
Senator Joe ManchinPhotographer: Tierney L. Cross/Bloomberg

Senator Joe Manchin has quit the Democratic Party to become an independent, but that won’t shift the balance of power in the chamber.

Manchin, of West Virginia, previously announced he would not run for reelection or for president.