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Unlike Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) is open to becoming an independent if he wants, but he doesn’t plan to leave the Democratic Party anytime soon.

Manchin said, “I’ll look at all of these things. I’ve always looked at all those things, but I have no intention of doing anything right now. Whether I do something later, I can’t tell you what the future is going to bring,” CNN’s Manu Raju reported on Monday.

Manchin added that he is not a “Washington Democrat.”

By crossing party lines to oppose legislation or block White House appointees, Senator Manchin has at times been a thorn in the Biden administration’s side. In addition, he has consistently opposed efforts to eliminate the filibuster, which would make it easier for Democrats to pass legislation.

However, as reported by FOX News, it’s unlikely Manchin will leave the party he’s been with for decades, according to political strategists familiar with West Virginia politics.

Despite his opposition to the Biden administration in some cases, Democratic operatives say Manchin is a stalwart in the party.

In addition, several Mountain State party leaders also say Manchin will remain loyal to the party he represented during his decades as secretary of state, governor, and now senator.

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) is one of the few democrats holding on to their party affiliation, with many democrats leaving for the independent party as of recent. No wonder why people are leaving – democrats are becoming more and more extreme with every election cycle and now people like Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) don’t feel represented by their own party anymore. Since democrats have only a slim majority in the Senate and control of the White House hanging by a thread, having Manchin remain in the Democratic Party is critical if they want to keep any kind of power. A switch to an Independent would come as a shockwave through the nation, but given his voting record and recent comments, it doesn’t seem like that will be happening anytime soon.