Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., who abruptly quit the Democratic Party as party members celebrated a gain in the number of seats in the Senate, declared that she has no interest in joining forces with the Republican Party.
The Arizona senator, whose centrist views have regularly put her at odds with President Joe Biden, said in a pre-recorded interview with CBS’ “Face the Nation” that she is “absolutely” done aligning herself with any political party, including the GOP.
You shouldn’t switch from one broken party to another, according to Sinema.
Sinema defended her decision to change her party affiliation to independent after CBS host Margaret Brennan said that she is “trying to function within a system that is built around those two parts.”
Democrats nonetheless managed to give Biden several legislative successes, including a bipartisan infrastructure bill and a measure safeguarding same-sex and interracial marriage, despite Sinema and Sen. Joe Manchin’s, D-W.Va., strong opposition to removing the filibuster, which put a stop to much of Biden’s agenda. Sinema cited those successes as evidence that Congress can continue to run well in her independent capacity.
When we put down politics and look for common ground, Sinema continued, “I hope that shows Arizona and America that our system works better.”
Due to her independent status, if Sinema decides to run for reelection, her declaration could upset the Arizona Senate race and transform it into a three-way battle.
Many people believe that Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., who constantly criticises Sinema, is the front-runner for the Democratic nomination. Sheriff Mark Lamb, a Donald Trump supporter, is vying for the Republican presidential nomination.
