Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia announced he is leaving the Democratic Party and registering as an independent. Manchin blamed both parties for what he described as broken national politics and said neither party is willing to find common ground.

“The American brand is the brand that I carry the proudest and I will always do that,” Manchin said in a video statement. “I’m able to do that more by being a registered no party affiliate independent than having a D or an R by my name.”

So what does this mean for the balance of power in the Senate? Not much. Manchin can continue to caucus with the Democrats, which would mean the Senate majority would not be impacted.

Manchin already voted against President Joe Biden on key agenda items like student loan cancellation, and he said he will only vote to confirm Biden’s judicial nominees if they receive bipartisan support.

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The real question is, will Manchin run for governor? 

Straight Arrow News’ Political Correspondent Ray Bogan spoke with him after a report revealed Republicans in the state were calling to encourage him to get in the race.

Ray Bogan: “Chairman Manchin, there’s a report out that Republicans in West Virginia are calling you to encourage you to run for governor, are you interested?”

Joe Manchin: “Let me just tell you, Steve Williams is my dear friend. He’s our nominee and I’m supporting Steve Williams.”

Ray Bogan: “Is there any circumstance in which you may run?”

Joe Manchin: “Well, anything can happen, you know, but right now that’s not going to. Steve Williams is our nominee, he got elected. I supported him and he’s just a good man. He can do a good job for our state.”

Manchin has time to make a decision. West Virginia’s filing deadline for independents is Aug. 1.

Money will not be an issue. His campaign had more than $8 million cash on hand as of March. The Republican and Democrat in the race had a little over $700,000 combined.