In a recent exchange between Sen. Lisa Murkowski and CNN’s Manu Raju, Murkowski expressed frustration that former President Donald Trump is the Republican party’s nominee. Murkowski, who voted to convict Trump on impeachment charges after the January 6th insurrection, stated she can’t support Trump as the nominee. Murkowski’s frustration contrasts with Cleveland businessman Bernie Moreno, the Trump-endorsed candidate for the Senate seat in Ohio, who aligned himself with Trump’s claims about the 2020 election being stolen.
Murkowski’s more moderate political stance makes her unique within the Republican party, as she won reelection in 2022 using Alaska’s nonpartisan, ranked-choice voting primary system. While Sen. Mitch McConnell, who is stepping down as GOP leader, doesn’t align with the moderate wing of the party, his acknowledgment of the party’s shift towards Trump reflects a broader trend in the GOP. Moderate Democrats like Kyrsten Sinema and Joe Manchin leaving the Senate due to difficult reelection campaigns further highlight the dwindling presence of centrists in Congress.
The departure of moderates like Sinema, Manchin, and Mitt Romney has significant implications for the Senate, where dealmakers are required to advance legislation. The dwindling number of centrists, including senators like Rob Portman, Lamar Alexander, and Bob Corker, raises concerns about the Senate losing its bipartisan character. The upcoming changes in Senate leadership with McConnell stepping aside pose questions about the chamber’s future and whether it will trend towards more partisan politics akin to the House of Representatives.
The House of Representatives has also seen an exodus among conservatives frustrated by the lack of action and infighting within the party. Rep. Mike Gallagher and Rep. Ken Buck, both resigning early, reflect the growing discontent among Republicans over issues like election denialism and inter-party disagreements. Gallagher, who broke with most Republicans over the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, emphasized the need for the House to focus on serving the American people rather than engaging in partisan bickering.
The trend of moderates leaving Congress extends beyond party lines, as both Republicans and Democrats face challenges in maintaining a centrist position within their respective parties. While Murkowski’s frustration with the GOP reflects the dominance of Trumpism within the Republican party, the departure of moderate Democrats like Sinema and Manchin underscores broader shifts towards more polarized politics. In a political landscape where dealmaking and bipartisan cooperation are increasingly rare, the loss of centrist voices in Congress raises concerns about the ability to govern effectively and address pressing issues facing the nation.
