Joe Manchin Says He Supports GOP Senate Candidates in Maine and Michigan
Qwenews.com – Joe Manchin says he supports Republican candidates in two pivotal Senate races: Sen. Susan Collins in Maine and former Rep. Mike Rogers in Michigan. The former West Virginia senator’s comments place him in the middle of contests that could shape control of the Senate after the November elections.
Speaking on CNBC on Monday, Manchin praised both candidates as pragmatic politicians. His backing reflects the centrist, independent-minded political message he has emphasized since leaving the Senate.
Manchin Backs Susan Collins in Maine
Joe Manchin says he supports Collins as she seeks a sixth term in Maine. He said he plans to campaign with her and described the senator as an example of the bipartisan approach he believes the chamber needs.
“You lose the Susan Collinses of the Senate, you’re losing the soul of the Senate — basically, a person you can talk to, who wants to do the right thing all of the time,” Manchin said.
Collins is running against Democrat Troy Jackson, a former president of the Maine state Senate. Jackson became the Democratic nominee after Graham Platner, who had faced controversy, was replaced on the ballot.
Maine remains a challenging environment for Collins: President Donald Trump has lost the state three times. After Manchin’s endorsement, Collins welcomed the support of her former Senate colleague and friend.
“Joe is a dear friend and trusted colleague with whom I have always worked closely to solve problems and deliver results for the people of Maine and America,” Collins said.
Mike Rogers Receives Support in Michigan
Joe Manchin says he supports Rogers in Michigan’s open-seat Senate contest. Asked about Rogers and Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed, Manchin made clear that he favors the Republican candidate.
“I do support Mike Rogers,” Manchin said. “I think Mike Rogers is a good person. I think he’ll do a great job.”
Rogers thanked Manchin in a post on X, calling him a “true patriot.” The Michigan race is one of the most closely watched contests on the national Senate map, and polling released Wednesday showed no decisive advantage among likely voters.
Manchin also offered Rogers a warning, arguing that the candidate would need to break with Trump’s trade agenda to win in Michigan. Rogers has not done so, and Manchin did not say whether he expected that position to change.
“We’ll have to see,” Manchin said.
An Independent Political Message
Manchin served in the Senate from 2010 through 2025 and became an independent during his final months in office. He has criticized ideological extremes in both parties and has continued to advocate for candidates he considers willing to work across party lines.
In July, Manchin launched an effort focused on electing more independent candidates. Joe Manchin says he supports Collins and Rogers because he views them as lawmakers who can resist rigid party alignment, regardless of their Republican affiliation.
He also praised Collins, Rogers and Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who is not up for reelection until 2028, as independent-minded Republicans.
“Independent, free-thinking Republicans, not completely crazy right or completely crazy left,” Manchin said.
FAQ: Manchin’s Maine and Michigan Senate Endorsements
Which candidates does Joe Manchin support?
Manchin supports Republican Sen. Susan Collins in Maine and former Rep. Mike Rogers in Michigan.
Who is Susan Collins running against?
Collins is facing Democrat Troy Jackson, a former president of the Maine state Senate.
Why do the Maine and Michigan races matter?
Both races are competitive Senate contests, and their outcomes could affect whether Republicans maintain control of the chamber.