Joe Manchin slams Chuck Schumer for targeting Susan Collins in Maine Senate race
Former Democrat-turned-independent Joe Manchin denounced Senate leader Chuck Schumer for trying to oust Republican Susan Collins as she campaigns for re-election in Maine.
Former West Virginia governor and ex-senator Joe Manchin publicly rebuked Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for attempting to remove Republican Susan Collins from the Senate. Manchin, now an independent, accompanied Collins on a stop in Lewiston, Maine, describing Schumer’s move as “crazy” and defending Collins as a centrist who transcends party lines. Collins is seeking a sixth term in a state that voted for Donald Trump in 2024, facing Democrat Troy Jackson in a race Democrats hope to flip.
Polls and several political forecasts list the contest as a toss-up. Manchin highlighted Collins’ bipartisan record and argued that the Senate needs her experience regardless of partisan affiliation. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and Schumer’s team did not comment.
Why it matters
The clash reveals intra-party friction that could sway a key Senate race and impact the chamber’s partisan balance.
How this story developed
- Sep 24 Collins holds narrow lead over Jackson in latest Maine Senate poll
- Sep 24 Donald Trump's net approval rating fell to minus 22.4 in Nate Silver’s tracker, the lowest point of any president at this stage since 1945.
- Sep 25 Florida GOP officials say they are preparing for possible defeats after polls show Democrats gaining ground in the governor’s race and Trump’s approval dropping sharply.
- Oct 6 The first debate between Collins and Jackson is scheduled for Oct. 6.
- Oct 7 The first debate was held, with both candidates trading barbs and no clear winner emerging.
- Oct 9 A debate between Graham and Andrews is scheduled for October 11.
- Oct 11 Donald’s campaign edited its website to cut eight Trump mentions and moved a Trump photo to a less prominent spot.
- Oct 11 President Trump announced a seven‑state rally tour starting on Oct. 1 ahead of the midterm elections.
- Oct 14 Former President Barack Obama released a video endorsement for Troy Jackson.
- Oct 20 The candidates faced their final televised debate, during which a protester was removed after interrupting the event.
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