Sen. Sinema Deregisters With Democratic Party and Switches to Independent

What’s the story?

• Arizona Sen. Krysten Sinema announced last week that she is leaving the Democratic party to be an independent.
• Sinema said her decision will not affect or change her work in the Senate. She tweeted: 

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

• Sinema has weaved independence into her platform for a few years, especially in her 2018 Senate campaign ads.
• Congress members have said that the switch will most likely not impact the Democrats’ control of the U.S. Senate with a 51-49 majority. Sinema indicated that she would keep her committee assignments and intends to continue to caucus with Democrats. 

Why become independent?

• While Sinema sides with Democrats most of the time, she has opposed some of their significant legislation. She says this move to being independent fits her political ideology more.
• According to a bipartisan survey by Impact Research and Fabrizio Ward, the Senator has relatively low approval ratings — landing at 37% overall. Since Arizona holds a lot of independents and moderate Republicans, experts say it’s in Sinema’s best interest to appeal to as many voters as possible. 
• By deregistering with the Democratic Party, Sinema can avoid the competition and get straight onto the ballot come reelection. However, she must be sure to get enough signatures to qualify to get onto the ballot. 

The response

• Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders called Sinema a “corporate Democrat” on Sunday, saying she is sabotaging enormously important legislation for her personal goals. He said:

“I think it really has to do with her political aspirations for the future in Arizona, but for us, I think nothing much has changed in terms of the functioning of the U.S. Senate.”

• Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) said he was surprised by Sinema’s decision but not concerned about anything changing in the Senate:

“I think whether she’s a Democrat or a Republican...The label doesn’t matter.”

• Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) said: 

“...the voters of Arizona made their voices heard loud and clear — they want leaders who put the people of Arizona first…Unfortunately, Senator Sinema is once again putting her own interests ahead of getting things done for Arizonans.”

• The Arizona Democratic Party said Sinema answers to “corporations and billionaires” after her announcement, pointing to the money she has drawn from the securities and investments industry. 

Should elected officials be allowed to change parties?

-Jamie Epstein

(Photo credit: Flickr/Gage Skidmore)