Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) faces a tricky situation as she navigates political challenges that put her at odds with President Trump and many colleagues in her party.
This summer, she voted against two key priorities for Trump: major tax and spending legislation as well as budget measures already established by Congress. She also opposed some of the president’s notable cabinet picks.
Adding to her predicament is her role as chair of the Senate Budget Committee, where she is responsible for delivering government funding proposals to Trump.
The looming midterm elections make her position even more precarious. Collins is expected to run for a sixth term, and Democrats view her seat as a potential gain in the upcoming election.
“She’s really the only senator who can be pressured to change her stance,” remarked Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), a strong ally of Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) and a member of the Approval Committee.
When asked about the situation, his response was simply, “No.”
Collins has long been a moderate voice within the Senate, often finding herself representing a blue state while navigating a party that has shifted further to the right over the years.
The balancing act has always been challenging, but perhaps it feels even tougher right now.
As the Senate aims to fund the government by the end of September, Collins is in a high-stakes position, complicated further by a GOP proposal to cut funding for public media and international aid.
Though she voted against that bill, her role as the lead negotiator for the GOP means she faces the repercussions, especially as Democrats have incentives to complicate matters and challenge Republicans.
For the moment, it appears that Maine Republicans are leaning toward bipartisan solutions.
The Senate is currently looking to pass a budget package known as the “minibus,” which aims to provide funding for essential sectors like agriculture and veteran affairs by the end of the work period. Lawmakers have acknowledged this is a precarious task.
“She’s doing a lot of heavy lifting,” said Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), emphasizing Collins’ role as a significant budget player. “I think it’s incredibly challenging. The whole committee is undergoing fractures due to spending disagreements.”
“No one wants that job right now,” Capito continued, evoking the legendary former Senator Robert Byrd, who served multiple terms on the panel.
Despite these challenges, Collins must also prepare for her re-election campaign next year in a state where the GOP is losing ground, and one Democrat is keen to take her seat.
Several Senate Republicans have recently expressed their support for her campaign, hoping she’ll decide to run again as they believe her seat could be lost if she opts not to.
“She’s the only candidate who can win,” Thune recently remarked, highlighting their appeal for her to pursue re-election.
“She’s in a conference with people who represent vastly different interests than her own, so she’s doing an impressive job,” Thune said. “But there’s also a compelling argument that chairing the budget committee would give her a strong reason to run.”
Polls appear mixed regarding public sentiment. A recent survey from Morning Consult indicates that just 38% have a favorable view of her, while 54% disapprove. Yet, a poll from Pan Atlantic Research suggests her favorability remains solidly above water.
Amidst the turmoil, Collins insists she isn’t feeling cornered.
“I’ve been in this position for years. I’ve been through many high-pressure situations,” she stated. “That’s part of what comes with being in leadership or representing your constituents.”
Collins is in a healthy fundraising situation, having raised $2.4 million from April to June, currently holding $5.2 million on hand.
Interestingly, Democrats seem to be struggling to find candidates willing to challenge her.
The party is primarily eyeing Maine Governor Janet Mills (D) as a potential candidate, but she appears reluctant to take on Collins. Former Collins aide Jared Golden (D-Maine) is also expected to prioritize re-election for his House seat.
Democrats have been nursing wounds since 2020 when Collins decisively defeated Sarah Gideon, who had been a strong challenger.
Trump has publicly criticized those who have opposed him, yet his focus hasn’t concentrated heavily on Maine’s Senators.
At the same time, Collins has made it clear that she does not seek assistance from the White House.
“I’ve never gained his support and never sought it,” she explained to Semafor. “I’m running my own campaign.”
Meanwhile, Democrats plan to tie Collins to a bill that reduces funding, even though she opposed key measures within it.
They are specifically highlighting her vote to open debate on the bill, pointing to her eventual opposition based on its impact on Medicaid beneficiaries and rural hospitals in the area.
“With record low approval ratings in Maine, it appears she’s constantly trying to navigate between Trump and the GOP establishment. In the last month, for example, Collins didn’t leverage her influence to halt damaging cuts to rural broadcasters or vote against severe Medicaid cuts,” they argued.
Despite the rocky landscape, Republicans remain confident in her capability to weather the storm.
“She keeps everything cohesive,” said Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), drawing a comparison to Wonder Woman. “If you’re considering challenging her, you should come fully prepared.”
“Even then,” he added, “you might not be totally ready for what she brings.”
