Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine and former Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia appeared together Wednesday in Lewiston, Maine, as Collins seeks re-election in a high-stakes race rated a toss-up by multiple political handicappers.
The joint appearance came as Collins distances herself from former President Donald Trump while Manchin, now an independent, endorses her bipartisan approach. Collins is the only Republican senator up for re-election in a state Trump lost in 2024, and her race against Democratic challenger Troy Jackson is viewed as a potential flip opportunity for Democrats aiming to regain Senate control.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Collins and Manchin shared a public breakfast with Maine voters Wednesday morning, emphasizing her independence from partisan divides. Manchin described Collins as an "American senator that represents her state of Maine," while Collins reiterated her opposition to Trump’s policies, including his handling of Russia and Ukraine.
A local chapter of the Maine AFL-CIO, the state’s largest labor federation, criticized Collins’ campaign event with Manchin, calling it "mystifying and insulting." The union cited Manchin’s role as an adviser to Apollo Global Management, a private equity firm accused of contributing to job losses in Maine.
Deeper Dive & Context
Collins’ Bipartisan Pitch
Collins, running for a sixth term, has long positioned herself as a moderate Republican willing to break with her party on key issues. During the Lewiston event, she reiterated her stance against Trump’s decision to waive new sanctions on Russia and strike a diesel deal with Moscow, arguing it would fund Russia’s war in Ukraine. She also criticized Trump’s envoy for calling Russian President Vladimir Putin a "humanitarian."
Manchin, who left the Democratic Party in 2024 after representing West Virginia, has a history of clashing with party leadership. He publicly rebuked Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for efforts to unseat Collins, calling Schumer’s actions "crazy" and defending his decision to campaign with her.
Labor Union Criticism
The Maine AFL-CIO, led by President Cynthia Phinney, condemned Collins’ alliance with Manchin, citing his ties to Apollo Global Management. Phinney stated that Apollo’s investments have been linked to job cuts in Maine, framing the collaboration as contradictory to labor interests. The union did not provide specific data on job losses attributed to Apollo.
Polling & Political Implications
The race between Collins and Jackson is rated a toss-up by CBS News, Fox News Power Rankings, Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, and Sabato’s Crystal Ball. Collins won re-election in 2020 by over 8 points despite Trump losing Maine by 9 points, a trend that has drawn attention to her ability to appeal to independent and Democratic-leaning voters.
Manchin’s involvement in the campaign underscores the strategic importance of moderates in the race, as both candidates seek to contrast themselves with partisan extremes. Collins’ team has framed her as a pragmatic leader, while Jackson’s campaign has accused her of enabling Trump’s agenda despite her occasional dissent.
Background on Key Figures
- Susan Collins: A Republican senator first elected in 1996, Collins has a history of defying party lines on issues like judicial confirmations and fiscal policy. She is one of the most moderate Republicans in the Senate.
- Joe Manchin: A former Democrat turned independent, Manchin served in the Senate from 2010 to 2024 and was known for his centrist voting record, often siding with Republicans on key issues.
- Troy Jackson: A Democratic state senator and former state Senate president, Jackson is Collins’ primary challenger in the 2024 election.
The Collins-Manchin alliance highlights the competitive nature of the race and the broader battle for Senate control in November.