Former West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin and his daughter Heather Manchin announced a new initiative aimed at electing independent candidates to public office, citing concerns over the dominance of the two-party system in U.S. politics.
The effort was unveiled during an interview on CBS News’ Face the Nation on August 2, 2026, where Manchin highlighted structural barriers faced by independent candidates in gaining ballot access. Heather Manchin, CEO of Americans Together, co-heads the initiative alongside her father.
Core Facts
- Joe Manchin criticized the Democratic and Republican parties for maintaining control over ballot access and primary processes, arguing that these systems discourage competition and favor ideological extremes.
- 47% of American adults identified as political independents in recent polling, the highest level in a decade, according to CNN polling cited by CBS News. This figure was referenced during the interview as evidence of growing dissatisfaction with the two-party system.
Barriers to Independent Candidacy
Manchin pointed to ballot access requirements as a key obstacle for independent candidates. He noted that independents must gather thousands of signatures to appear on ballots, while Democratic and Republican candidates typically pay a fee to secure a spot. He described the process as designed to favor the two major parties.
During the interview, Manchin also highlighted the low voter turnout in primary elections, stating that only 21% of eligible voters participated in the most recent primaries nationwide. He attributed this to the control exerted by the two major parties over the nomination process, which he argued limits competition in the general election.
Political Landscape and Implications
Manchin referenced the 2024 presidential election, noting that outcomes were determined by voters in just seven battleground states, while 43 states were effectively predetermined due to partisan strongholds. He also stated that 395 of 435 congressional seats were considered non-competitive in the last election cycle, reinforcing his argument that the two-party system stifles electoral diversity.
He criticized the ideological shifts within both major parties, stating that the Republican Party has been influenced by the MAGA movement and that the Democratic Party has seen increased energy from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Manchin suggested these trends further polarize the political landscape and reduce opportunities for independent voices.
Americans Together Initiative
The Americans Together organization, led by Joe and Heather Manchin, aims to counter these structural challenges by supporting independent candidates in elections. The initiative seeks to mobilize independent voters and provide resources to help candidates navigate ballot access and campaign logistics.
During the interview, Heather Manchin emphasized the organization’s goal of bridging divides in a politically fractured environment. She noted that the initiative would focus on grassroots organizing and voter education to amplify independent representation.
Reaction and Context
The announcement follows years of debate over the viability of independent candidates in U.S. elections. Critics of the two-party system argue that structural barriers, such as ballot access laws and primary election rules, systematically disadvantage independents. Supporters of the major parties contend that these systems are necessary to maintain stability and clarity in electoral processes.
Polling data referenced during the interview indicates that independent identification has risen steadily over the past decade, reflecting broader trends in voter disaffection with partisan politics. However, the success of independent candidates in winning elections remains limited, with few high-profile independents currently serving in Congress.
The initiative led by the Manchins represents one of several efforts to challenge the dominance of the two-party system, though its long-term impact on electoral outcomes remains uncertain.