Manchin criticizes Schumer over effort to unseat Maine Republican Senator Collins

Former West Virginia governor and ex-senator Joe Manchin joined Republican Sen. Susan Collins on the campaign trail in Lewiston, Maine, and said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumann’s push to defeat Collins was "crazy."

Manchin told Fox News Digital that Schumer would not be surprised by his presence with Collins, adding, "> 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." He also said, "> This is not right. 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."

Collins, a moderate Republican seeking a sixth term, is the only GOP senator running for re-election in a state that President Donald Trump lost in 2024. Her opponent, Democrat Troy Jackson, has framed the race as a chance for Democrats to flip the seat.

Manchin emphasized Collins’ independence, stating, "> She is 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." Collins responded that the two have worked together on bipartisan legislation, saying, "> Joe and I were part of every bipartisan initiative that passed the Senate and became law during the years that we worked together ... I just so enjoy our partnership in getting things done for Maine, for West Virginia and for America."

The meeting took place at Simone’s Hot Dog Stand, a local Lewiston eatery, marking the first of two campaign stops in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District. The race has been rated a toss-up by several political analysts. Fox News Digital did not receive a comment from Schumer’s team or the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.