Joe Manchin says he supports Republican candidates in battleground Senate races in Maine and Michigan, tell me about this news in (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/joe-manchin-says-he-supports-republican-candidates-in-battleground-senate-races-in-maine-and-michigan/ar-AA2ccTix?ocid=BingNewsVerp)

Former West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin, a Democrat-turned-independent, publicly expressed his support for Republican candidates in two critical battleground Senate races: Maine and Michigan.Maine Senate RaceDuring an interview on CNBC’s Squawk Box, Manchin formally endorsed Republican incumbent Senator Susan Collins for reelection. He called Collins “the soul of the Senate,” praising her as a dedicated, independent-minded legislator who consistently works across the aisle. Manchin pointed to their past bipartisan collaborationssuch as their work in the Common Sense Coalition and reforms to the Electoral Count Actand announced that he plans to actively campaign for Collins this fall against her Democratic challenger, Troy Jackson.Michigan Senate RaceWhen pressed about the open Senate seat in Michigan, Manchin threw his backing behind former Republican Representative Mike Rogers. Manchin described Rogers as a “personal friend” and stated that he believes Rogers is a good person who would do a great job in the Senate. He also indicated that he was not comfortable with the Democratic nominee, Abdul El-Sayed, winning the seat.Broader ContextManchin, who left the Democratic Party in 2024 and currently leads the Independent Leadership Council, framed his endorsements around supporting practical, problem-solving lawmakers rather than adhering to rigid party lines. He criticized the current primary system and polarized party branding for elevating ideological extremes, arguing that independent-minded, moderate voices are essential for the Senate to function effectively.