Manchin Criticizes Schumer's Efforts Against Collins, Calls Him 'Crazy'

Former Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin criticized Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for working against Sen. Susan Collins, calling the Senate Democratic leader "crazy" for targeting the Maine Republican.

Manchin, who became an independent before retiring from the Senate in 2025, appeared alongside Collins on the campaign trail in Lewiston, Maine, where he lauded the five-term Republican as "the soul of the Senate."

When asked if his appearance with Collins constituted a rebuke of Schumer, Manchin stated that the Senate Democratic leader should not be surprised by his actions. "Me being with my dear friend, there is no surprise there at all," Manchin told reporters, according to Fox News. "I told him he was crazy in 2020 for working against her so hard, and he’s so crazy now to work against her."

Collins is currently in a competitive reelection race against Democrat Troy Jackson, a former Maine Senate president. Democrats are seeking to regain control of the Senate, and Schumer has targeted Collins' seat in both the 2020 and 2026 election cycles.

Manchin, who served with Collins for years, asserted that Washington requires more lawmakers willing to collaborate across party lines. "She is the soul of America. She is the soul of the Senate, and he knows he needs more Susan Collins, no matter what side of the aisle they’re on," Manchin said. "This is ridiculous."

Manchin has previously supported Collins, including in 2020 when she faced opposition after voting to confirm Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. The two senators also collaborated on bipartisan legislation, such as the 2021 infrastructure law and the 2022 Electoral Count Act overhaul.

Collins has emphasized her bipartisan credentials in her current campaign, while facing scrutiny over her past affiliations with President Trump. Jackson has argued that Collins' voting record has frequently aligned with the president's agenda.

Manchin acknowledged the economic factors influencing Collins' race, stating that the Trump administration would be held accountable for the state of the economy at the ballot box.

Manchin reiterated his message about bipartisanship later in the day during a joint appearance at a New Balance plant in Norway, Maine. "The country needs her in Washington. Maine needs her extremely in Washington," he said. "You should be extremely proud of [her]. I am proud to call her my friend."

Manchin served as a Democratic senator from West Virginia from 2010 until January 2025. Collins, first elected in 1996, is the only Republican from New England in the Senate. Her race against Jackson is considered a key contest in determining Senate control next year.