Top Republican Gets Brutal News
A new statewide poll has revealed that a clear majority of Maine voters are ready for change, with most preferring that Senator Susan Collins not seek another term in 2026. Conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center, the survey found that 71% of respondents believe Collins should retire at the end of her current term. Only 21% think she should run again. The sentiment spans party lines: 84% of Democrats, 67% of independents, and even 57% of Republicans voiced opposition to her seeking reelection.
Susan Collins, who was first elected in 1996, has served nearly three decades in the U.S. Senate and has long been known for her centrist views and occasional willingness to break with her party on key votes. At 72, she remains one of the most senior and recognizable political figures in Maine. Her tenure has been marked by efforts to build bipartisan bridges, a stance that has earned her both praise and criticism over the years.
Despite the unfavorable polling, Collins has made it clear she plans to run again. She insists that her focus remains on legislative work, but she has acknowledged that her reelection campaign is on the horizon. Her candidacy is poised to become a major point of contention in what’s expected to be a hotly contested midterm election cycle.
Maine’s ranked-choice voting system will once again shape the dynamics of the race. In 2020, Collins secured a narrow victory with just over 51% of the vote, defeating Democratic challenger Sara Gideon. That win came despite polls suggesting a tighter race and criticism from many constituents over her votes on controversial national issues, including judicial confirmations and impeachment proceedings.
Although Maine generally favors Democrats in presidential elections, Collins has historically been able to stitch together a unique coalition of Republicans, independents, and moderate Democrats. Her ability to appeal across party lines has been key to her longevity in office, but the latest numbers suggest that coalition may be fraying.
As 2026 approaches, the Senate race in Maine is already being flagged as one to watch. Nationally, Democrats have their eyes on several other pivotal Senate contests, particularly in swing states like North Carolina, Ohio, and Alaska. However, flipping seats remains a steep challenge, especially in Republican-leaning areas.
Collins is expected to remain a significant figure in the Senate for the remainder of her term, particularly in efforts that demand bipartisan support. But with public opinion shifting and pressure mounting from within her own party, her path to reelection could be more uncertain than ever. The outcome of her race may not only decide who represents Maine in the Senate—it could also impact the broader political balance in Washington for years to come.