Maine Democrats have rolled out a new website aimed at Republican Senator Susan Collins, focusing on a vote she took that they argue significantly undermined abortion rights.
The launch of the website coincides with the third anniversary of the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned the long-established precedent set by Roe v. Wade. This ruling empowered states to make their own laws regarding abortion access, resulting in several states imposing restrictions.
Accompanying the website, a video features Collins criticizing her own vote, highlighting her confirmation of Supreme Court Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh.
The video opens with a clip of Collins, expressing her intention to support Kavanaugh’s confirmation on the Senate floor.
“Roe v. Wade now rests on Susan Collins’ shoulders,” the video asserts. It emphasizes that Mainers have not forgotten Collins’ crucial vote in favor of Kavanaugh. His nomination ultimately passed by a narrow 50-48 margin. During her announcement, she expressed confidence that Kavanaugh would not support overturning Roe.
After the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe, Collins described the ruling as “inconsistent” with the assurances provided by Gorsuch and Kavanaugh during their confirmation hearings.
The website further critiques Collins’ vote against the Women’s Health Protection Act, which sought to enshrine Roe into law in 2022, arguing that her vote went against protecting essential abortion rights.
In contrast, Collins has pointed to the Reproductive Choice Act she introduced, which, she claims, aims to restore those rights.
The site also criticizes her for backing federal judges who maintained restrictions on abortion in various states, such as Stuart Kyle Duncan in Texas and Kenneth Lee on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Collins is likely to be a priority target for Democrats as they look toward the 2026 Senate elections, especially after their recent losses left them with a minority (53-47). Despite being a long-standing senator, Collins has been viewed as vulnerable, particularly after previously winning by over 8 points in her last election.
This upcoming election marks the first time Collins will seek reelection following the Supreme Court’s decision on Roe, and Democrats hope to harness the momentum from mid-2022. While prominent Democrats have yet to declare their candidacy, the entry of figures like Governor Janet Mills (D) could pose a significant challenge for Collins.
