Full Breakdown
Manchin Defends Susan Collins as Democrats Target Maine Republican
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Former Democratic senator Joe Manchin, now an independent, publicly rebuked Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on Wednesday for supporting efforts to unseat Republican Susan Collins of Maine. Manchin joined Collins on the campaign trail in Lewiston, emphasizing her bipartisan record and warning that removing her would weaken cross-party cooperation in Washington.
Background & Context
Collins, a five-term Republican, is seeking a sixth Senate term in a state that voted for President Donald Trump in 2024. Democrats view the seat as a prime opportunity to flip the Senate, while Collins has a history of breaking with the GOP on key votes, including opposition to former President Trump’s agenda. The race has drawn national attention, with political analysts labeling it a toss-up.
Official Statements & Responses
Schumer’s office did not respond to requests for comment.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Chuck Schumer would not be surprised of me being with my dear friend. There is no surprise there at all. I told him he was crazy in 2020 from working against her so hard and he’s crazy now to work against her,” — Former Sen. Joe Manchin, senator
- “Me being with my dear friend, there is no surprise there at all,” — Former Sen. Joe Manchin, senator
- “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,” — Former Sen. Joe Manchin, senator
- “This is their economy and they have to face that,” — Former Sen. Joe Manchin, senator
What’s Next
Manchin and Collins plan additional campaign stops across Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, including a visit to a New Balance plant in Norway, Maine, as the election approaches. Both candidates continue to stress the importance of bipartisan representation in the Senate while Democrats prepare to field further resources in the contested race.