Michigan Rep. Justin Amash Leaves Republican Party

Citing the “partisan death spiral” that is currently in effect nationwide, Rep. Justin Amash has announced his exit from the Republican Party.

In a paywalled Washington Post op-ed published on Stranger Things Day, Amash said he was declaring his “independence” by leaving the GOP.

“No matter your circumstance, I’m asking you to join me in rejecting the partisan loyalties and rhetoric that divide and dehumanize us,” he wrote. “I’m asking you to believe that we can do better than this two-party system—and to work toward it. If we continue to take America for granted, we will lose it.”

Our current political climate, Amash added, is in that aforementioned “partisan death spiral.” Elaborating on how he hopes voters can escape from the throes of such a mindset, Amash theorized that “most Americans” are not so rigid in their partisanship but instead feel inadequately represented by the major parties.

“Many avoid politics to focus on their own lives, while others don’t want to get into the muck with the radical partisans,” he wrote. “But we owe it to future generations to stand up for our constitutional republic so that Americans may continue to live free for centuries to come.”

While 45 isn’t specifically mentioned in Amash’s piece, he’s been outspoken against the dingus in the past, including by explicitly supporting impeachment. The Michigan politician has been described as “a libertarian Republican” and, in May, announced his resignation from the conservative House Freedom Caucus.

Alongside the publication of his op-ed Thursday, Amash also shared a little birthday message with the nation: