Former Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin is crossing party lines to campaign alongside Republican Sen. Susan Collins in Maine, delivering a significant boost to the GOP incumbent as she fights to retain her seat in one of the nation’s most closely watched Senate races.
Collins’ campaign confirmed Monday that Manchin, who represented West Virginia for more than a decade before leaving the Democratic Party, will join her Wednesday for campaign appearances in Lewiston and Norway.
The unusual alliance comes just two weeks before the November 3 midterm elections, when Republicans will attempt to maintain control of the Senate against a determined Democratic effort to flip several competitive seats.
Collins is seeking a sixth term against Democrat Troy Jackson, a former Maine Senate president who has attracted support from prominent progressive figures, including Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren.
Manchin, who became an independent in 2024 before retiring from Congress, has emerged as an outspoken defender of Collins despite her Republican affiliation.
The former senator endorsed Collins in September, describing her as “the soul of the Senate” and praising her willingness to work across party lines.
His upcoming campaign appearance represents a further commitment to helping the Republican incumbent survive a difficult reelection battle. During an interview with Semafor, Manchin dismissed Democratic attempts to portray Collins as an unquestioning supporter of President Donald Trump.
“She is not a Trump senator,” Manchin declared.
U.S. Senator Susan Collins speaking with attendees at the 2018 Small Business Expo at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Gage Skidmore
The former West Virginia lawmaker specifically rejected arguments that Collins’ voting record demonstrates excessive loyalty to the president, criticizing statistics that include routine confirmation votes.
Manchin said his visit would help “debunk” accusations that Collins has enabled Trump’s political agenda. His defense comes as Democrats attempt to make Collins’ relationship with the president a central issue in the race.
Although Collins has supported several administration priorities, she has also opposed major Republican initiatives, including Trump’s sweeping tax legislation and the confirmation of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
She previously voted against Republican efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act in 2017. Manchin’s intervention could provide Collins with additional credibility among independent voters and moderate Democrats who have supported her in previous elections.
The two lawmakers developed a close working relationship during their years in Washington, frequently cooperating on bipartisan legislation and congressional negotiations.
Collins has pointed to their work on electoral reform and bipartisan negotiations as evidence of her independent approach to governing. The campaign appearance also comes as Jackson receives assistance from some of the Democratic Party’s most recognizable figures.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is scheduled to visit Maine Thursday, one day after Manchin’s appearance with Collins.
The competing campaign events underscore the national significance of the contest, which could help determine which party controls the Senate during the final two years of Trump’s presidency.
Manchin’s decision is particularly notable given his history with the Democratic Party. Once considered one of the Senate’s most influential moderate Democrats, Manchin frequently clashed with progressive lawmakers over spending, energy policy and other major legislative priorities.
He ultimately abandoned his Democratic affiliation in 2024, criticizing the party’s political direction. His support for Collins is not unprecedented, however. Manchin also backed her successful reelection campaign in 2020.
With Election Day approaching, Collins is betting that her bipartisan reputation and support from figures like Manchin will help her secure another victory in a state where Republicans have struggled in recent presidential elections.
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[ H/T Trending Politics ]
