Joe Manchin and Brian Kemp endorse Republican Senate candidates

Former Democratic Senator Joe Manchin has endorsed two Republican candidates in pivotal U.S. Senate races. Manchin, who became an independent in 2024, expressed support for Maine Senator Susan Collins, describing her as the ‘soul of the Senate’ and a person who seeks to do the right thing. He also endorsed Mike Rogers in the Michigan Senate race against Democrat Abdul El-Sayed.

In Georgia, Governor Brian Kemp has endorsed Republican Representative Mike Collins in his bid to unseat Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff. Kemp characterized Collins as a ‘commonsense leader,’ while the Ossoff campaign criticized the endorsement, citing controversies involving Collins’ family and former staff members regarding antisemitic and white supremacist content.

The endorsements come as both parties intensify efforts to secure control of the U.S. Senate in the upcoming November elections.