Manchin Criticizes Schumer's Efforts to Oust GOP Senator Collins

Former Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin has publicly criticized Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's strategy to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, describing the efforts as "crazy" while campaigning alongside Collins in Lewiston, Maine.

Manchin, who recently transitioned from Democrat to independent, stated that Schumer's attempts to defeat Collins are misguided, asserting that the Senate needs more lawmakers like her, regardless of party affiliation. "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. This is ridiculous," Manchin told Fox News Digital.

Collins, a moderate Republican seeking her sixth term, is facing a challenging re-election campaign in the blue-leaning state of Maine. She is the only Republican senator up for re-election in a state that voted for Donald Trump in the last presidential election. The race against Democrat Troy Jackson, a former state Senate president, is considered a key opportunity for Democrats to regain the Senate majority. Political handicappers, including The Cook Political Report and Fox News Power Rankings, assess the race as a toss-up.

Manchin, who served with Collins for years in the Senate, highlighted their bipartisan work on legislative initiatives. "Joe and I were part of every bipartisan initiative that passed the Senate and became law during the years that we worked together," Collins said. Manchin emphasized Collins's independent spirit, stating, "She's not a Trump senator. She's not a Republican senator or a Democrat senator. She's an American senator that represents her state of Maine ... the most independent minded person I've ever met."

The former West Virginia senator, known for his frequent breaks with the Democratic party during his Senate tenure, joined Collins for campaign stops, including a visit to Simones' Hot Dog Stand in Lewiston. Jackson, the Democratic nominee, has sought to tie Collins to former President Donald Trump, whose approval ratings have declined in Maine and nationally. Collins, in turn, has used her debates with Jackson to highlight her Senate seniority and her record of securing federal funding for Maine, while Jackson has positioned himself as an outsider attuned to working-class voters.

This is not the first time Democrats have targeted Collins. In her 2018 re-election bid, she defeated Democratic challenger Sara Gideon despite Biden carrying Maine by a similar margin. Jackson secured the Democratic nomination after the initial primary winner withdrew following allegations of sexual assault, which he denied.