Former West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin has announced the formation of the Independent Leadership Council, aimed at electing independent candidates in competitive elections. This initiative comes in response to a Gallup poll indicating that 45% of Americans identify as political independents. Manchin stated, "We’re trying to build a true independent network," emphasizing that the goal is to create a movement rather than a third party.
Manchin, who served as a U.S. Senator from 2010 to 2025, changed his party affiliation from Democrat to Independent in 2024. He is known for his willingness to diverge from party lines, which has positioned him as a key figure in policy discussions. In 2018, he was the only Democrat to support the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court.
He has expressed concerns about the Democratic Party's direction, stating that he warned former President Joe Biden about his staff's leftward leanings. Manchin reiterated that the council is not intended to form another political party but to support candidates who can engage with both Democrats and Republicans. The council will also incorporate efforts from his daughter, Heather Bresch, and Adam Brandon, President of FreedomWorks, who has previously supported independent candidates financially.