Joe Manchin and Daughter Launch Effort to Elect Independents to Congress

Former West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, appearing at an event in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, initiated a new political venture aimed at electing independents to Congress. Manchin, cataloging concerns about the current political climate, stated, “The way the parties have weaponized the political process today, they make it impossible to have a ‘D’ or an ‘R’ next to your name and speak to the other side.”

Manchin, who has shifted from Democrat to independent, has joined forces with his daughter, Heather Manchin. Together, they are spearheading the Independent Leadership Council. This initiative merges resources from Heather’s Americans Together organization and the Independent Center, a nonprofit focused on engaging with independent voters. “This is not about a third party. This is about people running outside the two-party system,” she explained.

The announcement took place at the Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia, attended by approximately 40 individuals including donors, political reform advocates, and independent candidates. Among them was Rep. Kevin Kiley, previously a member of the GOP, now an independent, who emphasized the need for a new political direction in light of increasing polarization.

An instrumental component of the effort is addressing the fiscal and infrastructural challenges faced by independent candidates. During the gathering, eight candidates engaged directly with potential donors. Seth Cohen, senior adviser at the Independent Center, highlighted the objective of gaining trust from both candidates and funders, incorporating data and strategies for success.

Adam Brandon, another adviser, emphasized, “We have to show that it’s not just that we have a good strategy, but that the strategy can win.” He noted the fundraising commitments amounting to over eight figures, signifying substantial momentum for independent candidates.

The strategy put forth by the Manchins targets impactful yet limited involvement rather than a vast array of candidates. Heather Manchin remarked, “We’re not out here saying, we’re going to run 50 people. We’re talking about a handful.” Successful examples of elected independents, even in small numbers, could potentially stimulate broader support.

A 2025 Gallup poll indicated 45% of Americans identify as independents. This rise in independent identification underscores a growing disillusionment with conventional party systems. At the retreat, attendees signed a “Declaration of Independents,” committing not to caucus with established parties.

The initiative seeks to establish independents as non-partisan participants on Capitol Hill. Current independent legislators often caucus with traditional parties, limiting their distinctiveness. Kiley, continuing to caucus with Republicans until his term ends, plans to advocate for independents on congressional committees without committing to a party.

Michael Bridgford, an Iowa candidate, reiterated the sentiment that being out of party lines isn’t a campaign detriment. “This is literally the least productive Congress in history,” he commented, stressing the potential of independents in narrowly divided settings.

Former Arizona Rep. Matt Salmon envisioned the potential for independents to play crucial roles in a closely contested Congress. Such independents could exert significant influence during critical votes, showcasing their capacity to sway decision-making processes.