Senator Kyrsten Sinema, a US Democrat, becomes independent

The White House emphasises that it respects Sinema's choice and that it has no impact on the Democratic Party's ability to govern the US Senate.

Formerly one of the most conservative Democrats in the US Senate, Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona has decided to leave the Democratic Party and declare herself an independent, which might threaten the party's tenuous hold on the majority in the Senate.

After Democrat Raphael Warnock's victory in a Georgia run-off election solidified the party's control of the Senate in the upcoming Congress, which begins early next month, Sinema made her choice on Friday.

In an opinion piece that appeared in The Arizona Republic, Sinema stated, "I registered as an Arizona independent." I have never properly fit in either national party, like many Arizonans."

The impact of Sinema's flip on the next Senate's party composition, where Democrats have a 51-49 majority, is uncertain. The party, however, can afford to lose one seat now that Warnock has won. Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris would be the deciding vote in a deadlock in the Senate.

According to Sinema, 46, her decision won't alter the "Senate structure." She said that she would no longer caucus with the Republicans and would also no longer attend Democratic Caucus sessions.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act are two significant bills that Sinema worked to enact, and the White House commended her as a "critical partner" on Friday. Both of these measures were supported by President Joe Biden.

The White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement, "We recognise that her choice to register as an independent in Arizona does not impact the new Democratic majority leadership of the Senate, and we have every reason to assume that we will continue to work productively with her.

Sinema criticised what she saw as growing polarisation in The Arizona Republic piece, with Democratic and Republican leadership being pushed to the "fringes." But contrary to what the national parties would have us believe, she asserted, Americans "are more unified."

She nevertheless vowed to support several crucial Democratic policy objectives, such as defending LGBTQ and reproductive rights.

Along with Bernie Sanders and Angus Kings, Sinema will be the third independent senator. The last two, though, are actually Democrats. They participate in party caucuses and consistently support bills sponsored by Democrats.