Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia officially left the Democratic Party and registered as an independent, potentially giving him the flexibility to run for Senate or West Virginia governor as an independent.
Key Points
Manchin accuses both parties of prioritizing partisan extremism
Manchin will continue caucusing with Senate Democrats
Pros
Flexibility to run for Senate or West Virginia governor as an independent
Ability to distance himself from partisan extremism
Cons
Potential backlash from both Democratic and Republican parties