Top Democrat Stabs Schumer In The Back - Switches Parties

Former Sen. Joe Manchin, who left the Democratic Party as it moved further left, is backing a former Senate colleague in her bid for reelection: Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine.

Manchin is scheduled to join Collins at an event in central Maine on Wednesday, her campaign confirmed Monday. His appearance gives the incumbent a prominent bipartisan ally as she seeks a sixth term in one of the country’s closest Senate contests.

Manchin spent most of his political career as a Democrat before registering as an Independent in 2024. He endorsed Collins last month, praising her as an independent-minded lawmaker willing to break with her party.

In an interview with The New York Times, Manchin said he had “never” worked with a more centrist and independent-minded person during his years in Washington. He also pushed back on Democratic efforts to portray Collins as a reliable vote for President Donald Trump.

“She’s not Donald Trump’s senator,” Manchin said, arguing that Collins represents Maine rather than simply following the Republican Party. Her voting record, however, leans solidly to the right.

The endorsement carries added significance because Collins faces former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, whose campaign has repeatedly sought to link her to Trump as Democrats try to flip the seat.

Manchin spent more than a decade in the Democratic Senate caucus and frequently worked with Collins on bipartisan legislation. The two collaborated on major measures, including the bipartisan infrastructure law enacted under former President Joe Biden. Both also developed reputations for sometimes defying their party leaders.

Manchin backed Collins in her 2020 reelection campaign as well. She defeated Democrat Sara Gideon despite heavy spending by national Democratic groups seeking to unseat her.

This year’s race appears close again. Recent polls generally show Jackson with a narrow advantage, often within or near the surveys’ margins of error.

The RealClearPolitics average currently puts Jackson at 48.8% and Collins at 47.2%, a 1.6-point difference. An InsiderAdvantage poll of 1,200 likely voters, conducted October 13-14, showed Jackson ahead 49%-47%. A Suffolk University poll conducted October 8-11 reported the same result.

Rasmussen Reports also found Jackson leading 49%-47%. An earlier co/efficient poll had Collins ahead 48%-46%, while a CBS News survey showed the candidates tied at 50% each. Marist’s October poll gave Jackson a 51%-47% lead among registered voters.

Collins has highlighted her seniority and her role as chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, arguing that her influence in Washington helps her secure federal resources for Maine that a newly elected senator could not immediately match.

She has also emphasized disagreements with Trump on major issues. Collins voted against his signature tax-and-spending legislation last year and opposed Pete Hegseth’s confirmation to lead the Pentagon.

Manchin’s visit may help reinforce Collins’ independent image as Democrats bring high-profile progressive figures into the state to support Jackson.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is scheduled to campaign for Jackson the day after Manchin’s appearance with Collins. Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have also traveled to Maine to support the Democratic nominee.

Collins’ campaign has pointed to those visits as evidence of the progressive backing behind Jackson, contrasting it with Manchin’s centrist record and his frequent clashes with Democratic leadership during his Senate career.

The race has grown increasingly combative. During a heated debate last week, Jackson told Collins to “shut up” after she suggested that a protester who interrupted the event was connected to his campaign. Jackson denied the allegation.