Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia announced Friday he has registered as an independent with no party affiliation.
Manchin has been a Democrat chairing the Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee.
Manchin chose not to run for re-election to the seat, with current West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice running as the Republican candidate against Democrat Glenn Eliiott after each won the recent West Virginia primary.
Manchin has not announced what elected position he could run for next.
“My commitment to do everything I can to bring our country together has led me to register as an independent with no party affiliation,” Manchin wrote on social media.
Manchin announced in November that he would not seek re-election to the Senate.
Manchin was long known as one of the most moderate Democrats in the Senate.
