Manchin targets Iowa in push to elect independents to Congress
Former U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin is bringing his campaign to shake up the two-party system to Iowa. The West Virginia independent announced his organization will focus on recruiting and electing independent candidates in several states, including Iowa, as part of a broader effort to break what he calls the party dam in Washington.
Manchin, who left the Democratic Party in 2024 after decades of service, told the New York Times that his experience as a centrist swing vote proves independents can get things done in a divided Congress. He pointed to the 117th Congress as evidence.
We were able to get some things done in the 117th Congress that we haven't done since, or didn't do a whole lot before, Manchin said. So it showed when they knew that I wasn't going to go crazy and go far left or far right, they said, Maybe we can work something out, and that's how we got things done.
What is the Independent Leadership Council?
Manchin launched the Independent Leadership Council (ILC) last month. The organization aims to recruit and fund independent candidates for Congress. While Manchin has not made endorsements yet, he said the ILC will hone in on specific races around mid-September.
The target states include Montana, Alaska, California, Illinois and Iowa. Iowa's congressional races could see new independent challengers as a result of this effort.
Manchin argued that the current system leaves most voters without a real choice on Election Day. He pointed to the 2024 election as an example of the problem.
Forty-three were predetermined. Four hundred and thirty-five congressional districts in the United States of America, 395 are predetermined, already predetermined. Something's wrong. There's no competition, Manchin said.
Why does Manchin think independents can win?
Manchin believes voters are hungry for politicians who reject extreme partisanship. He said his own record in the Senate showed that a moderate voice can force both parties to negotiate.
That gave me the impetus, saying, Hey, this could work if you have enough people that are willing to say, Listen, I like you both, but I don't agree with both of you, and I'll work with you if you become rational and sensible. People want a little bit more normalcy, he added.
Manchin filed as an independent in May 2024, saying his commitment to bring the country together led him to leave the Democratic Party. He retired from the Senate at the end of that term.
What independent races are getting attention?
One of the most watched independent campaigns this year is in Nebraska. Dan Osborn, a veteran and mechanic, is challenging incumbent Sen. Pete Ricketts (R). Osborn nearly defeated Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) in 2024.
Currently, there is one independent in the House of Representatives and two in the Senate. Manchin said success in November could open the door for more independents, including a possible presidential run in 2028.
If we can punch through the party veil, the party dam, then it really, really swarms in to give this momentum and have leaders and great people, Manchin told the Times.
An independent has not held the White House since George Washington, who famously rejected partisan politics.
What does this mean for Iowa voters?
The ILC's interest in Iowa suggests that independent candidates could appear on ballots in the state's congressional districts. For Iowa voters who feel frustrated with partisan gridlock, this could offer a new option in upcoming elections.
Manchin's push comes at a time when many voters across the country, including in Iowa, are expressing dissatisfaction with the two major parties. Whether independent candidates can gain traction in Iowa remains to be seen, but the former senator is betting that voters want more choices.