Former Senator Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) has announced his endorsement of Republican Senator Susan Collins in her current reelection campaign for the Maine Senate seat. Manchin, a longtime centrist who transitioned to independent status before leaving the Senate, described Collins as the “soul of the Senate” during his endorsement.

This endorsement places Manchin in opposition to the Democratic nominee, Troy Jackson, who is currently serving as the President of the Maine Senate. Jackson’s platform includes support for “Medicare for All” and significant changes to immigration policy. Manchin’s decision to back a Republican incumbent over a progressive challenger highlights his continued alignment with moderate political figures, even after his departure from the Democratic Party. The endorsement is viewed by political analysts as a signal of Manchin’s preference for bipartisan cooperation over the more progressive policy goals advocated by candidates like Jackson. While the endorsement is a notable development in the Maine race, it remains to be seen how much influence a former West Virginia senator will have on Maine voters as the election approaches.