The announcement by Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) that she will not seek re-election marks another significant blow to Senate bipartisanship, further eroding a centrist foundation that has endured the challenges of escalating polarization in recent years.

The exits of Sinema, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), and Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) — all frequently criticized by their respective parties — will create a substantial void in the realm of bipartisan cooperation.

Despite facing widespread criticism, Sinema departs Congress with an unparalleled record as a bipartisan negotiator, Axios reported.

Over the years, Sinema, Manchin, and Romney have consistently warned about the decline of bipartisanship, a trend underscored by the recent GOP rejection of the border security deal that Sinema played a key role in negotiating.

Even Democrats, who once viewed Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) as the epitome of a partisan combatant, expressed regret over his departure as the Senate GOP leader, acknowledging and appreciating his dedication to the institution.

Written by B.C. Begley