Manchin Criticizes Schumer Over Collins’ Campaign

LEWISTON, MAINE – Former Senator Joe Manchin, who has transitioned from a longstanding Democrat to an independent, expressed his disapproval of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on Wednesday. He labeled Schumer’s efforts to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine as “crazy” while joining Collins on the campaign trail for her crucial re-election bid.

Collins, known for her moderate stance, has occasionally voted against President Donald Trump and her party. She is currently fighting for her political future as she seeks a sixth six-year term in a state that leans Democratic. Notably, she is the only GOP senator up for re-election in a state Biden won in the last election.

The contest between Collins and Democratic challenger Troy Jackson, a former state Senate president, is viewed as a significant opportunity for Democrats hoping to regain Senate control. Polls are showing a very close race, with the latest Fox News Power Rankings marking it as a toss-up, which is also affirmed by several nonpartisan political analysts.

When asked about the impact of campaigning with Collins on his relationship with Schumer, Manchin remarked, “Chuck Schumer wouldn’t be surprised to see me with my dear friend. There’s no surprise there. I told him back in 2020 that he was crazy for working against her, and I think he’s still crazy for doing so now.” This referred to previous attempts to unseat Collins during her last election cycle.

He further asserted, “This isn’t right. She embodies the essence of America and the Senate itself. Schumer knows we need more senators like Susan Collins, regardless of political affiliation. It’s just ridiculous.”

Fox News Digital attempted to contact Schumer’s political group and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee for comments but had not received a response by the time this was published.

Previously, Manchin served as West Virginia’s governor and was in the Senate from 2010 to 2025, often voting against his party’s agenda, which frustrated Democratic Presidents Obama and Biden as well as Schumer.

As Collins faces Jackson, the latter has repeatedly tried to associate her with Trump, whose popularity has waned in Maine and beyond.

In an earlier partnership with Manchin, Collins mentioned, “Joe and I supported every bipartisan initiative that passed during our time together. I just love our collaboration on efforts that benefit Maine, West Virginia, and America overall.”

During a visit to Simones’ Hot Dog Stand, a historic eatery in downtown Lewiston, the two met with local restaurant workers and customers. This stop was part of two campaign events in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, which is considered a key swing area.

In their fourth and final debate last week, Collins emphasized how her seniority in the Senate has helped secure federal funding for Maine. On the flip side, Jackson presented himself as an outsider who relates to the working-class electorate.

Jackson claimed the party’s Senate nomination in a special convention held in late July, following the exit of primary winner Graham Platner due to serious allegations. Platner denied the claims but withdrew nonetheless.

Although facing pressures, Collins has a history of overcoming Democratic challenges. Six years ago, despite trailing her Democratic opponent Sara Gideon initially, Collins successfully secured re-election by nearly nine points while Biden won the state by a similar margin.