Susan Collins Launches Re-Election Bid in Maine
Republican Senator Susan Collins is gearing up for a challenging re-election campaign in 2026, particularly in the predominantly Democratic state of Maine.
Collins has become a primary target for Senate Democrats as they work to reclaim control during the upcoming midterm elections. In a recent interview, she mentioned, “Chuck Schumer has made me his No. 1 target again. This is the third time.” This statement aligns with her announcement on social media, where she expressed her commitment to the 2026 race, stating, “Good news! I’m all in for 2026.”
At 73, Collins has been serving in the Senate for about thirty years, and while Democrats have sought to unseat her, success has eluded them thus far.
She believes that, similar to 2020, spending on her campaign will be lower. However, she’s optimistic about her standing: “Maine people are famously independent. They care about individual candidates and don’t necessarily just vote partisan.”
In 2021, Collins was among the Senate Republicans who voted to convict former President Donald Trump after the House impeachment related to the events of January 6. This vote did not sit well with Trump, who has refrained from endorsing her and frequently criticized her for straying from party lines, particularly on issues like war powers in Venezuela.
“Republicans should be ashamed of the senators who just voted with Democrats to take away our authority to fight and defend the United States of America,” Trump remarked on Truth Social after Collins’s vote.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune commented on whether Trump’s views should influence Collins’s campaign, saying, “I think she knows how to run in Maine.” He highlighted her experience and success in the state, suggesting that she ought to make her own decisions regarding endorsements.
Collins’s ability to navigate the complexities of her relationships with both Trump and her constituents may help her, as she aims to attract independents and even some Democrats. She noted, “What I think the president’s criticism shows is that I’m independent in how I approach issues.” This could resonate with Mainers who appreciate her candidness.
Despite her history and reputation, the Maine Democratic Party has accused Collins of betraying her constituents over the years. State party executive director Devon Murphy Anderson pointed out that Collins is currently facing low approval ratings, claiming that “Mainers see through her political maneuvering.”
National Republican Senatorial Committee chairman Tim Scott described Collins as a “veteran leader” but acknowledged the upcoming electoral challenges, particularly in Maine.
Collins is likely to face either former Democratic Governor Jane Mills or newcomer Graham Platner in the primaries, both of whom have significant backing from prominent Democratic leaders.
In response to what she views as unfair attacks from Democrats, Collins insisted, “That’s patently false and very disappointing. The people of Maine deserve better.”
When asked who she’d prefer to run against, she remarked, “I’ll leave that up to the Democratic Party to decide,” noting the likelihood of significant external funding in the race, no matter who the opponent is.
