Joe Manchin Says He Supports GOP Senate Candidates
Sandego.net – Joe Manchin says he supports Republican candidates in two closely watched Senate contests: Maine Sen. Susan Collins and former Michigan Rep. Mike Rogers. The former West Virginia senator discussed the races during a Monday appearance on CNBC.
Manchin served in the Senate from 2010 through 2025. Formerly a Democrat and later an independent, he has frequently argued for elected officials who are willing to work across party lines and reject ideological extremes.
Manchin Backs Susan Collins in Maine
In Maine, Collins is seeking a sixth term. She faces Democrat Troy Jackson, a former president of the Maine state Senate, who replaced previous Democratic nominee Graham Platner after his candidacy became troubled.
Joe Manchin says he supports Collins and plans to campaign with her. He praised her as a senator who listens and seeks practical solutions.
“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.”
The two have a longstanding political relationship. Manchin also backed Collins during her previous reelection campaign, when he was still serving as a Democratic senator. Collins welcomed his support, calling him a close friend and trusted former colleague.
“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.”
The Maine campaign again puts Collins’ independent political image at the center of the race. Maine has voted against President Donald Trump in each of his three presidential campaigns, while Collins has built her career around bipartisan negotiations.
Manchin Favors Mike Rogers in Michigan
Michigan’s race is for an open Senate seat, with Rogers competing against Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed. Manchin said he had not formally issued endorsements in the contest, but made his preference clear when discussing the candidates.
“I do support Mike Rogers. I think Mike Rogers is a good person. I think he’ll do a great job.”
Rogers, whom Manchin described as a personal friend, later thanked him in a post on X and called him a “true patriot.” Joe Manchin says he supports Rogers while also warning that the Republican candidate may need to challenge Trump’s trade policies to win in Michigan.
Manchin noted that Rogers had not spoken out against those policies and did not predict whether he would do so.
“We’ll have to see.”
The issue may matter in Michigan, where manufacturing and economic policy are central concerns for many voters. Recent polling released Wednesday showed no clear leader among likely voters in either the Maine or Michigan contest.
An Independent Political Message
Manchin left the Democratic Party during the final months of his Senate tenure, saying the party’s brand had become “toxic.” In July, he launched an effort intended to help more independent candidates win elections.
He also identified Collins, Rogers and Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski as independent-minded Republicans. Murkowski is not up for reelection until 2028.
“Independent, free-thinking Republicans, not completely crazy right or completely crazy left.”
Joe Manchin says he supports candidates he believes can act independently of party pressure. His comments give additional attention to two races that could influence Republican control of the Senate after November.
FAQ for Maine and Michigan Voters
Which candidates did Manchin support? He voiced support for Susan Collins in Maine and Mike Rogers in Michigan.
Is Manchin campaigning in Maine? Yes. Manchin said he intends to campaign alongside Collins.
What did Manchin say about the Michigan race? He praised Rogers, but said Rogers may need to oppose Trump’s trade policies to improve his prospects in Michigan.
