Joe Manchin Launches Independent Leadership Council to Back Congressional Candidates

Former West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin is launching the Independent Leadership Council to recruit and support independent candidates for Congress. At 78, Manchin is returning to politics after leaving the Democratic Party in 2024 and retiring from the Senate in 2025. The effort comes as 45% of American adults now identify as independents, according to Gallup, and both major parties face record low favorability ratings.

What the Independent Leadership Council does

Manchin, running the council with his daughter Heather, will help independent candidates with campaigning, fundraising, and on-the-ground organizing. The group is not forming a third party but rather building what Manchin calls “a movement of people that will bring our country and the people who are participating in politics today more towards the center.” The council kicked off Thursday with candidates in West Virginia, including California Rep. Kevin Kiley, a former Republican running for reelection as an independent.

Who the council is backing

Initial candidates include Seth Bodnar, an independent Senate candidate in Montana; Todd Achilles, an independent Senate candidate in Idaho; and Michael Bridgford, an independent House candidate in Iowa. The group is also eyeing races in Alaska and Washington. Manchin said the council could help candidates win in the November midterms and then have an impact on the 2028 presidential race.

Why independents matter now

With both chambers closely divided, a single independent lawmaker can wield significant influence in Congress. Manchin told CNN that independents can “vote with Democrats and Republicans when they’re right and speak out against them when they’re wrong.” He told Semafor the goal is to build a true independent network that brings centrist voices back to politics. The council combines efforts already underway by Manchin’s daughter at Americans Together and Independent PAC, led by former FreedomWorks President Adam Brandon, which has put millions of dollars behind independents.

Manchin’s political history

Manchin served in the Senate from 2010 to 2025 as a Democrat, frequently breaking ranks with his party. He was the sole Democrat to vote for Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court confirmation in 2018. Before retiring, he criticized the Democratic Party for moving too far left and changed his registration to independent in 2024. He has said he does not plan to run for office again.

Final Thoughts

Manchin’s move reflects deep voter frustration with both parties. With independents now at 45% of the electorate and both Democrats and Republicans facing negative favorability ratings, his effort to elect centrist independents could reshape congressional dynamics if successful.

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