Former Sen. Joe Manchin, a West Virginia independent who previously served as a Democrat, publicly criticized Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on Wednesday, describing the Democratic leader’s efforts to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine as "crazy." Manchin, who campaigned alongside Collins in Lewiston, Maine, argued that Schumer’s strategy to defeat a moderate Republican in a blue-leaning state is politically misguided, even as Democrats view the race as a critical opportunity to reclaim the Senate majority.
The comments come as Collins, the only Republican senator seeking re-election in a state that voted for President Donald Trump in 2024, faces a tight contest against Democratic challenger Troy Jackson. Jackson, a former Maine state Senate president, secured the Democratic nomination in late July after primary winner Graham Platner withdrew from the race following sexual assault allegations, which he denied. The race is rated a toss-up by Fox News Power Rankings, the Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, and Sabato's Crystal Ball.
What the Left Is Saying
Senate Democrats, led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have identified Collins' seat as a top flip opportunity in the midterm elections, aiming to capitalize on President Trump's declining approval ratings in Maine and nationally. Democratic challenger Troy Jackson has centered his campaign on anchoring Collins to the Trump administration, portraying her as out of step with working-class voters in a state that has swung toward Democrats in recent presidential cycles. Jackson positions himself as an outsider who understands economic frustrations, contrasting himself with Collins' establishment profile.
While Schumer's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Manchin's remarks, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee has historically invested heavily in challenging Collins. Democrats argue that Collins' moderate brand no longer insulates her in an increasingly polarized political environment, and they contend that her voting record on key issues aligns too closely with Republican leadership to survive a determined Democratic challenge in a state where Biden won by nearly nine points in 2020.
What the Right Is Saying
Sen. Susan Collins and former Sen. Joe Manchin presented a united front, emphasizing a history of bipartisan cooperation. Collins stated, "Joe and I were part of every bipartisan initiative that passed the Senate and became law during the years that we worked together," highlighting their partnership as a model for effective governance. Manchin reinforced this view, arguing that Collins is "not a Trump senator" but rather "an American senator" who prioritizes her state's interests over party loyalty.
Manchin directly attacked Schumer's strategy, stating, "I told him he was crazy in 2020 from working against her so hard and he’s crazy now to work against her." He described Collins as "the soul of America" and "the soul of the Senate," asserting that Schumer needs more legislators like Collins regardless of party affiliation. This perspective aligns with conservative and moderate critics who argue that Democrats are pursuing ideological purity over practical electability, potentially alienating independent voters in swing states.
What the Numbers Show
The race between Collins and Jackson is statistically tight. The latest public opinion polls indicate a margin-of-error showdown, with leading nonpartisan handicappers classifying the seat as a toss-up. Collins previously survived a significant Democratic challenge in 2020, when she defeated Sara Gideon by nearly nine points, even as Joe Biden carried Maine by a similar margin. This historical data suggests Collins has retained a personal brand advantage in the state despite broader partisan trends.
President Trump's approval ratings in Maine have dropped further underwater, according to recent polling, which Democrats cite as evidence of a favorable environment for Jackson. However, Collins' seniority in the Senate has allowed her to deliver significant federal funding to Maine, a point she emphasized during her fourth and final debate with Jackson last week. The financial landscape also favors the incumbent, with reports indicating a massive cash advantage for the GOP in the state compared to Democratic efforts.
The Bottom Line
Manchin's intervention underscores the internal tension within the Democratic Party between ideological consistency and pragmatic election strategy. By publicly criticizing Schumer, Manchin highlights the risk Democrats face in targeting a popular moderate incumbent who has historically outperformed her party's presidential nominees in Maine. The outcome of this race will be pivotal for control of the Senate, with both parties watching closely to see if Collins' bipartisan appeal can withstand a concerted Democratic effort in a state that has grown increasingly competitive for Republicans at the presidential level.