Former Sen. Joe Manchin took a hard swing at Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on Wednesday. He called the leader “crazy” for trying to defeat his “dear friend” Susan Collins in Maine. Manchin stood right next to Collins in Lewiston, Maine, to show his support. He said there was no surprise that he was there with her.
He said he warned Schumer years ago that this was a bad idea. Collins faced Democratic challenges during the 2020 and 2026 election cycles.
Collins faces a tough fight against Democrat Troy Jackson, a former Maine Senate president. Fox News states Collins is the sole GOP senator running for re-election in a state Trump lost in 2024. The race is seen as a top chance for Democrats to win back the Senate majority. Fox News Power Rankings currently rate the race as a toss-up.
Manchin argued that Washington needs more lawmakers who can work across party lines. He praised Collins as “the soul of the Senate.” He remarked that Collins embodies the Senate and he requires more Susan Collins regardless of their political alignment. He added that Collins is “not a Trump senator” but an “American senator.”
Manchin referred to the failed efforts by Democrats to defeat Collins six years ago. He emphasized that the current push to oust her is wrong. He also called the situation “ridiculous” during his comments to the press. The former senator made it clear that he believes Schumer is making a mistake.
The New York Post observes that Manchin exited the Democratic Party in 2024 to join as an independent. He plans to retire from the Senate in 2025. Despite this, he stepped up to defend a fellow lawmaker he views as a friend. He believes Schumer needs more people like Collins, regardless of their political party.
Collins mentioned that both she and Manchin participated in every bipartisan initiative approved by the Senate. They worked together to make laws during the years they served. Now, they stand together as the election approaches. The next step is the general election where voters will decide the outcome. The race remains tight as both sides prepare for the final push.
Manchin’s words highlight a deep divide in how politicians treat each other. He said the situation was “ridiculous” and meant it. The battle for the Senate seat in Maine will continue until voters cast their ballots. Fox News and the New York Post both covered the event on Wednesday. The focus now shifts to how Jackson and his team respond to this new defense.
