Joe Manchin Endorses Republican Candidates in Senate Races

Former Senator Joe Manchin has chosen to back two Republican candidates in competitive Senate races, which could significantly influence the Senate’s balance of power.

On Monday, during an appearance on CNBC, Manchin (I-W.Va.) announced his support for former Representative Mike Rogers (R-Mich.) in Michigan’s open Senate race and also endorsed Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine), who is running for reelection.

Collins has faced criticism from some conservatives, who label her as a R.I.N.O., or “Republican In Name Only.”

Manchin expressed his intention to campaign alongside Collins, referring to her as “the soul of the Senate.”

“I’m backing whoever’s the best candidate right now. Susan Collins, I’m going to go campaign for her,” he remarked. “Losing Susan Collins would mean losing the Senate’s soul; she’s someone you can talk to and who genuinely wants to do the right thing. People often say she doesn’t speak up, but Susan is always involved and ready to collaborate when needed.”

On the Michigan race, while he hasn’t formally endorsed Rogers, Manchin called him a “personal friend” and expressed his support over the far-left nominee Abdul El-Sayed (D-Mich.).

“I do support Mike Rogers,” he stated. “I think he’s a good person and will do a great job.”

This endorsement comes at a crucial moment. Collins is in a tight race for her sixth term against Troy Jackson (D-Maine), who emerged as the nominee amid a chaotic primary process following the original winner Graham Platner (D-Maine) dropping out due to sexual assault allegations.

Manchin, who served as a U.S. Senator from November 2010 until January 2025, has frequently criticized the growing partisan divide and extremist views in both major parties. In May 2024, he left the Democratic Party to register as an Independent, citing a rise in “partisan extremism” and dysfunction in Washington. However, he continued to caucus with Senate Democrats for the remainder of his time in office.