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Joe Manchin says he’ll back Kyrsten Sinema over Democratic challenger

Sen. Joe Manchin III, West Virginia Democrat, said Sunday he will support the reelection of Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, Arizona independent, over an expected Democratic challenger.

“She is going to be a formidable candidate,” Mr. Manchin said on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “She needs to be supported because she brings that independent spirit.”

“It’s not about Democrats and Republicans,” he said. “Pick the best person who is willing to speak their mind.”

Ms. Sinema, who left the Democratic Party shortly after the November midterm elections but still caucuses with Democrats, has not said whether she will seek a second term, but she would likely face Democratic Rep.