Independent Senator Joe Manchin, who previously represented West Virginia as a Democrat, has publicly announced his endorsement of Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine in her bid for a sixth term. Manchin, who transitioned to an independent affiliation in 2024, confirmed his support and his intention to campaign for Collins during an appearance on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.” This endorsement comes as Collins faces a competitive challenge from Democratic nominee Troy Jackson in one of the nation's most closely watched Senate races, scheduled for the general election on November 3.
"You lose the Susan Collinses of the Senate, you’re losing the soul of the Senate." Joe Manchin, Independent Senator
Manchin emphasized Senator Collins's consistent commitment to bipartisan cooperation, a quality he stated is increasingly rare in the contemporary political landscape. “You lose the Susan Collinses of the Senate, you’re losing the soul of the Senate,” Manchin stated, adding, “I’m gonna do everything I can to help.” He further characterized her as consistently engaged and dedicated, remarking, "Susan is always in there, always in the trenches.” This public backing is not without precedent; Manchin also supported Collins during her 2020 reelection campaign.
The political relationship between Senator Manchin and Senator Collins has developed over years of collaborative legislative efforts. Both senators played pivotal roles in negotiating the 2021 infrastructure law, which allocated federal funding towards critical national needs such as transportation networks, broadband expansion, and various other national projects. They also collaborated on the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in 2022, a measure that expanded certain federal gun restrictions while providing new funding for mental health initiatives and school safety programs. Additionally, Manchin and Collins were instrumental in the negotiations surrounding the Electoral Count Reform Act, legislation designed to clarify the process for Congress to certify presidential election results and to define the Vice President’s role in counting electoral votes as ceremonial. Their shared commitment to finding common ground also led them to be part of the bipartisan Common Sense Coalition, a a group dedicated to fostering compromise during significant legislative debates in Washington.
Senator Collins is seeking to extend her tenure in the Senate against Troy Jackson, who previously served as the president of the Maine Senate before securing the Democratic nomination earlier this year. Jackson’s campaign agenda centers on issues such as healthcare access, workers’ rights, economic affordability, and addressing economic inequality. He has also voiced criticism regarding Senator Collins’s positions on abortion policy and her relationship with President Donald Trump.
In response to these criticisms, Senator Collins has consistently highlighted her extensive record in the Senate and her demonstrated willingness to diverge from Republican party leadership. During a recent debate, she cited specific instances of disagreement with President Donald Trump on policy matters including tariffs, immigration enforcement strategies, and military policy decisions. Collins also pointed to her vote to convict President Donald Trump during his second impeachment trial as evidence of her independent approach. She asserts that she evaluates legislative issues on their individual merits rather than adhering strictly to party directives. Jackson, conversely, contends that Collins's occasional disagreements with President Trump or her party do not negate her broader support for Republican policy priorities.
The Maine Senate race has garnered national attention primarily due to its potential impact on the balance of power within the U.S. Senate. Recent polling data from a Washington Post-Schar School survey indicated a tight contest, with Jackson holding 50% support among likely voters compared to Collins's 46%. This four-point difference falls within the poll’s margin of error, suggesting a highly competitive outcome. The race has also attracted other prominent national political figures. Former President Barack Obama has publicly endorsed Troy Jackson, urging Maine voters to support the Democratic candidate.
Manchin’s decision to endorse Collins adds another high-profile political figure to the unfolding dynamics of the race, placing a notable independent voice on the Republican side. For Collins, this endorsement reinforces the image she has cultivated throughout her career as a senator capable of bridging partisan divides and working collaboratively. For Jackson, the entry of Manchin into the campaign further elevates the profile of an already nationally significant election. As Election Day approaches, both campaigns are increasingly engaging external allies and national figures in their efforts to secure one of the most consequential Senate seats on the electoral map.
