Joe Manchin launches Independent Leadership Council

Joe Manchin launched the Independent Leadership Council to elect independent candidates to Congress, focusing on competitive districts.

The initiative merges Americans Together (led by his daughter Heather) with Independent PAC (led by former FreedomWorks President Adam Brandon).

It aims to support independent candidates including Representative Kevin Kiley, Senate candidate Seth Bodnar, and House candidate Michael Bridgford.

Manchin argues that a few independents could force compromise, saying “They can bring them to their knees and make people understand, ‘This is crazy.’”

A Gallup poll found a record 45% of American adults identify as political independents.