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Joe Manchin Launches Independent Leadership Council to Support Nonpartisan Candidates

KVIA•Friday, July 24, 2026 at 4:57 PM•CNN Newsource

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AI Summary

Joe Manchin, the former senator from West Virginia, has re-entered the political arena at 78 years old with the launch of the Independent Leadership Council. This initiative aims to recruit and support independent candidates across the U.S., responding to a growing dissatisfaction with the two major parties, as 45% of American adults now identify as independents. The council's first gathering took place in West Virginia, featuring various independent candidates, including Kevin Kiley from California and Seth Bodnar from Montana. Manchin believes that independent legislators could significantly influence Congress, especially in tightly divided chambers. His goal is to demonstrate that independent candidates can succeed and potentially reshape future elections.

Key Details: • Independent Leadership Council launched to support independent candidates. • First meeting held in West Virginia with multiple independent candidates present. • 45% of U.S. adults identify as politically independent, according to a Gallup poll. • Manchin aims to influence the upcoming elections by helping independent candidates. • The initiative serves as a pilot project to demonstrate the viability of independent candidates.

elections politics leadership independent joe-manchin

People & Organizations

CaliforniaKevin KileyIowaNew YorkJohn FettermanAmerican Enterprise InstituteWest VirginiaMontanaSeth BodnarJoe ManchinHeather ManchinMichael BridgfordRob PortmanIndependent Leadership CouncilAdam BrandonSeth CohenAmericans TogetherFreedomWorksIndependent Center

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