Senator Susan Collins has embarked on a challenging journey – a bid for re-election in 2026 in the politically nuanced state of Maine. She enters the race knowing she’ll be a prime target for Democrats eager to reclaim control of the Senate, facing a battle that will test her decades of political experience.
This isn’t a new fight for Collins. She revealed that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has personally designated her as his number one target for the third consecutive election cycle. Despite this, she expressed confidence in the independent spirit of Maine voters, believing they prioritize individual candidates over strict party lines.
Collins’ willingness to buck party orthodoxy has defined her career. She notably voted to convict during President Trump’s impeachment trial following the January 6th Capitol attack, a decision that ignited the former president’s public ire. Trump has repeatedly criticized her for dissenting votes, even declaring that those who opposed him “should never be elected to office again.”
The question of Trump’s endorsement looms large, yet Senator John Thune, a key Republican leader, deferred to Collins’ judgment on the matter. Thune emphasized her deep understanding of Maine’s electorate and her proven ability to run successful campaigns within the state.
Collins views the criticism from Trump as a validation of her independent approach. She insists her decisions are guided by the best interests of Maine and the nation, a stance she believes resonates with her constituents. She’s consistently maintained a willingness to support or oppose any president, regardless of party, based on her assessment of the issues.
However, Maine Democrats paint a starkly different picture. They accuse Collins of betraying the state over her thirty-year tenure, citing votes on healthcare, reproductive rights, and her frequent alignment with Trump’s policies. They claim her approval ratings are at an all-time low, signaling a growing disconnect with Maine voters.
Despite the criticisms, the National Republican Senatorial Committee recognizes Collins as a “battle-tested leader” with a history of success. However, internal Republican assessments acknowledge Maine as one of the most difficult Senate races on the horizon, citing a potential ballot access deficit for the GOP nationally.
Collins is preparing to face a formidable opponent, likely either two-term Democratic Governor Janet Mills, backed by national Democratic leadership, or Graham Platner, a veteran and oyster farmer supported by Senator Bernie Sanders. The Democratic primary promises to be a competitive contest, setting the stage for a potentially expensive and fiercely contested general election.
Collins anticipates a barrage of attacks and “provably false” claims from Democratic-aligned groups. She remains focused on presenting her record directly to the voters, confident that Maine residents will see through what she considers distortions and make their own informed decisions. She acknowledges the influx of outside money but believes the core issue will remain the choice of the Maine people.
