Joe Manchin Endorses Republican Susan Collins in Maine Senate Race
Former Democratic Senator Joe Manchin has endorsed Republican Senator Susan Collins in the Maine Senate race.
Lima, OH, September 14, 2026 —
Former Democratic Senator Joe Manchin has announced his endorsement of Republican Senator Susan Collins in the upcoming Maine Senate race. This political development marks a significant crossover endorsement, given Manchin’s party affiliation and Collins’s Republican status.
Senator Manchin, who represented West Virginia for over a decade before retiring from the Senate at the end of his term, has previously been known for his centrist stance and willingness to work across the aisle. His endorsement of a Republican candidate in a statewide election is a notable departure from traditional party alignments.
Senator Collins, who has served Maine in the U.S. Senate since 1997, is seeking re-election. Her political record includes periods where she has also been seen as a moderate Republican. The dynamics of the Maine Senate race and the specific reasons behind Manchin’s endorsement were not detailed in the provided information.
The implications of Manchin’s support for Collins’s campaign remain to be seen. Such endorsements can sometimes signal shifts in voter allegiances or highlight specific policy alignments that transcend party lines. Further details regarding the context or rationale for this endorsement were not made available.
Story summarized from the original created by Alexander Bolton on thehill.com, see more information here.
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