Joe Manchin launches Independent Leadership Council for independent candidates

Former West Virginia senator Joe Manchin, 78, announced the creation of the Independent Leadership Council (ILC) to recruit and support independent candidates for Congress. The launch took place on Thursday in West Virginia and was hosted by Manchin and his daughter Heather, who co‑chairs the group. Attendees included California Rep. Kevin Kiley, a former Republican running as an independent, Montana Senate hopeful Seth Bodnar, and Iowa House candidate Michael Bridgford. The council also plans to monitor races in Alaska and Washington.

Manchin emphasized that the effort is not a new party, stating, “We’re not trying to start another party,” and stressed the goal of finding candidates committed to an independent voice who can vote with either major party when appropriate. Citing a Gallup poll that shows a record 45 % of U.S. adults identify as independents, he argued that even a few independents could shift the balance in a tightly divided Congress. The council intends to raise funds, provide campaign assistance, and organize grassroots support, hoping to help at least one candidate win in November and thereby influence the upcoming presidential election.