Joe Manchin’s Initiative to Elect Independents to Congress

Former West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin has started a new political venture. The aim is to elect independent candidates to Congress. This effort, known as the Independent Leadership Council, is co-founded with his daughter, Heather Manchin. It merges her Americans Together group with the Independent Center, a nonprofit focused on independent voters.

Challenging the Two-Party System

Joe Manchin emphasized the difficulties within the current political climate, saying, “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.” The initiative is not about forming a third party. Instead, it seeks to provide a platform for candidates operating outside the traditional two-party system.

Heather Manchin highlighted the need for a robust infrastructure to support independents. She stated, “We’re willing to go out there and campaign, we’re going to be fundraising, we’re going to put our arms around this effort to do all we can, because the infrastructure for independents lacks significantly.”

The Greenbrier Gathering

The Manchins hosted a gathering at the Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia. The event brought together approximately 40 individuals, including major donors, political reform advocates, and independent candidates. The location, known for its Cold War-era bunker, provided a fitting backdrop.

California Congressman Kevin Kiley, who recently left the GOP, attended the event. He stated, “The division is getting worse…the polarization is getting worse, the gridlock in Congress is getting worse.” Kiley hopes that a shift in strategy could resolve these issues.

Overcoming Challenges

Independent candidates often face hurdles due to limited resources and support. During the gathering, eight independent candidates met with potential donors. Seth Cohen, senior adviser at the Independent Center, noted the importance of building trust between candidates and funders.

The strategy involves utilizing data, with the Independent Center employing AI to identify promising districts for independent candidates. Adam Brandon, another senior adviser, stressed, “This isn’t about a moral victory – this is about winning.” His past work with conservative grassroots efforts provides experience and insight into building effective campaigns.

Strategic Endorsements and Future Goals

The Manchins have not yet endorsed specific candidates. They plan to focus on a few strong candidates to maximize impact. Heather Manchin mentioned, “If we can show one or two getting in, it just unlocks the untapped potential of giving independents a voice in this country.”

Recent polls indicate growing support for independents. Gallup found that 45% of Americans identified as independents in 2025. Joe Manchin believes the movement can challenge the entrenched party systems.

Changing Congressional Dynamics

The initiative aims to ensure elected independents do not align with either major party. Current independent senators like Bernie Sanders affiliate with Democrats, while Kiley, an independent, continues to caucus with Republicans, aiming for policy reforms to allow independents to serve on House committees.

Iowa’s Michael Bridgford and former Arizona Rep. Matt Salmon were also part of the discussion. They emphasize the role independents could play if Congress remains closely divided. Smaller, influential groups of independents might sway decisions on key legislative processes.