Earlier this week, Senate Democrats officially secured 51 seats in the chamber after Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock dodged a challenge from Republican Herschel Walker.
Having 51 Senate seats would give Democrats more power than just being evenly split 50/50 with Vice President Kamala Harris able to break ties. This is precisely why Democrats had former President Obama campaign for Warnock in Georgia.
A Shallow Victory
However, the victory that Democrats celebrated with Warnock holding onto his seat looks to be short-lived. One of the seats that contributed to Democrats’ 51-seat majority is the one held by Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema.
Though just earlier this morning, Sinema announced that she’ll be switching from a Democrat to an Independent, as documented by Axios.
A Game Changer For Democrats
On Friday, Sinema made it clear she doesn’t want to get too into the weeds when it comes to party politics. The now-Arizona Independent stated she’s never felt as though she fits into the mold of one party or the next.
In further remarks, the now-former Democrat explained that she believes her decision will resonate with folks in Arizona who have also tired of divisive party politics.
In a natural extension of my service since I was first elected to Congress, I have joined the growing numbers of Arizonans who reject party politics by declaring my independence from the broken partisan system in Washington and formally registering as an Arizona Independent. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/jUQHAeuxym
— Kyrsten Sinema (@kyrstensinema) December 9, 2022
Reports indicate that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer was informed by Sinema earlier this week of her choice to switch from a Democrat to an Independent.
More From Sinema on This Development
In an op-ed for Arizona Central, Sinema takes a deeper dive into her choice to become an Independent. The congresswoman explained that “national political parties” don’t have the final say in how Arizona residents vote or make decisions in their lives.
Likewise, Sinema cautioned that “rigid partisanship” is causing people to be left behind. Meanwhile, the most extreme voices on both sides of the aisle are being elevated. The congresswoman is looking to be part of something different and less polarizing.
Becoming an Independent won’t change my work in the Senate; my service to Arizona remains the same. Read my full Op-ed in the Arizona Republic 3/3 ⬇️https://t.co/P2JQXFT5IJ
— Kyrsten Sinema (@kyrstensinema) December 9, 2022
Later in her op-ed, the Arizona Republican stated “bipartisan compromise” is often not embraced under the current two-party system. Sinema believes this should be seen as the norm, rather than a last resort when all else fails.
Her switch to being an Independent comes amid growing speculation about the current two-party system in politics. Furthermore, with the Independent coalition becoming greater and greater, candidates who want to win their elections are needing to win over votes from this demographic.
Sinema remains adamant that her party switch isn’t going to impact her work or responsibilities in Congress. Time will tell whether or not other lawmakers decide to follow in her footsteps.
What do you think about Sen. Kyrsten Sinema switching from a Democrat to an Independent? Do you believe having more Independents in power and as a coalition will have a positive impact on US politics? You’re more than welcome to share your thoughts in the comments area.
This article appeared in The Conservative Brief and has been published here with permission.
