Manchin Endorses Collins, Backs Rogers in Key Senate Races

Former Senator Joe Manchin, now an independent, has endorsed Republican Senator Susan Collins in her Maine reelection bid and expressed support for former Republican Representative Mike Rogers in Michigan's open Senate race. The endorsements, announced during a CNBC interview on Monday, September 15, 2026, represent a notable cross-party move in two battleground contests that could influence control of the Senate. Manchin, who served as a Democrat from West Virginia from 2010 until early 2025 before registering as an independent, praised Collins as a pragmatic colleague. "You lose the Susan Collins of the Senate, you're losing the soul of the Senate," Manchin said, describing her as "a person you can talk to, wants to do the right thing all the time." He announced plans to travel to Maine to campaign for her. Collins, who is seeking a sixth term, issued a statement thanking Manchin. "Joe is a dear friend and trusted colleague with whom I have always worked closely to solve problems and deliver results for the people of Maine and America," she said. "I am honored to have his support.