Andrew Yang, a former presidential candidate and former technology entrepreneur, announced on Monday that he had left the Democratic Party and became independent.
Yang, who won a passionate following in 2019 during the party's primaries, highlighted his work for Democrats. He noted the deep relationships he had developed with local activists and leaders and the fundraisers he had spearheaded, and received credit for helping to elect party candidates, including President Biden.
However, he described the two-party system as “stuck,” saying he could be more “honest” about politics and politicians if he weren't limited by official affiliation as a Democrat. Yang offered his support for alternative electoral systems such as open primaries and rank-and-file voting, saying these were "fundamental reforms" that would give voters more choice in campaigns.
“I believe I can reach people outside the system more effectively,” he wrote. “I feel more … independent.”
Mr. Yang has struggled to find his balance since he shot to prominence during the 2020 race. One of the highest profile Asian Americans to ever run a presidential campaign, Yang has won over a legion of dissatisfied voters with proposals like providing the all Americans a universal basic income of $1,000 a month.
After ending his unlikely campaign, he joined CNN as a political commentator, started his own podcast, and moved to Georgia to help Democrats win Senate races in January.
A bid for New York mayor this spring ended in defeat after Yang struggled to answer basic questions about the city's government functions and failed to capitalize on the initial momentum.
Last month, he announced plans to found his own political party called “The Forward Party” – a phrase taken from the last chapter of his new book.
In an excerpt from his book published by Politico Magazine this week, Mr. Yang recounted the awkwardness of running for president and how the experience had inflated his sense of his own importance.
“I was CEO and founder of a company, but running for office was something different,” he wrote. “Everyone in my orbit started treating me like I was a presidential candidate. I was taking a crash course in how we treat the very powerful – and it was weird. ”
He added: "It turns out that power actually causes brain damage."
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