Story perspectives

Joe Manchin, daughter start council recruiting independents

7/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Former Senator Joe Manchin launched the Independent Leadership Council to recruit congressional independents.
Manchin will co-lead the council with his daughter Heather Manchin, a former pharmaceutical executive.
The council says it is not a new party but seeks people fully committed to being independents.
At a West Virginia summit, Rep. Kevin Kiley, Senate hopeful Seth Bodnar and candidate Michael Bridgford discussed target races in Alaska, California, Iowa, Montana and Washington.

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Story summary

Former Senator Joe Manchin launched the Independent Leadership Council to recruit congressional independents.
Manchin will co-lead the council with his daughter Heather Manchin, a former pharmaceutical executive.
The council says it is not a new party but seeks people fully committed to being independents.
At a West Virginia summit, Rep. Kevin Kiley, Senate hopeful Seth Bodnar and candidate Michael Bridgford discussed target races in Alaska, California, Iowa, Montana and Washington.