Joe Manchin endorses Susan Collins: 'Soul of the Senate'

Collins is fighting a tough reelection campaign against former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson in what is expected to be one of the most competitive races of the cycle.

By Ben Whedon

Published: September 14, 2026 2:53pm

Former Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.V., endorsed Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, in her reelection bid, calling her the "soul of the Senate."

Collins is fighting a tough reelection campaign against former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson in what is expected to be one of the most competitive races of the cycle.

Speaking on CNBC's "Squawk Box," Manchin said if Collins were to lose "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."

"I'm gonna do everything I can to help," he added.

Manchin previously endorsed Collins in 2020. The West Virginia senator was long known for his willingness to break with the Democratic Party, and he later left it in 2024.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent for Just the News. Follow him on X.