Republican Senator Announces Decision On Political Future

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Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) announced on Tuesday that she will seek re-election in the 2026 midterms.

“GOOD NEWS! I am ALL-IN for 2026,” Collins said.

Collins, 73, shared a video of herself unboxing a pair of New Balance sneakers.

“This is perfect for 2026, because I’m running,” she said.

“Boston-based New Balance recently opened a manufacturing location in central Maine,” USA TODAY noted.

Footage below:

USA TODAY has more:

Collins’ announcement was largely expected, though the race is expected to turn into one of the country’s most closely watched during the midterm season. She is likely to face off against either Democratic newcomer Graham Platner or Democratic Gov. Janet Mills.

Mills has been backed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-New York, while Platner has support from Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont. The pair are locked in a competitive primary battle for the chance to oppose Collins, and Democrats are hoping the seat will be one they can flip in their quest to retake the Senate.

Collins, a centrist Republican, has publicly disagreed with President Donald Trump on some issues but also provided a reliable Republican vote when the margin is slim. Polls have found her to be unpopular in her state, but she has proven resilient in elections: In 2020, when former President Joe Biden won the state by nine points, Collins defeated well-funded Democrat Sara Gideon by nearly as much.

According to the Federal Election Commission, Collins has the most cash on hand in the race with just over $8 million as of Dec. 31. Platner has about $3.7 million, and Mills trails with $1.3 million.

The Boston Globe said Collins will seek a “record” sixth term, setting up what will likely be one of the “most expensive” Senate contests this election cycle.

“When Susan Collins was first elected to the Senate 30 years ago, she ran on a campaign vow that she would never serve more than two terms,” Glenn Greenwald commented.

“She’s now seeking her SIXTH term in the Senate. These people become ossified addicts for DC pomp and status and cling to it until death,” he added.

Maine Morning Star shared further:

Fundraising data also confirms what has long been known anecdotally. Unions are banking on Platner, while the current Democratic establishment is throwing their support behind Mills.

After Collins’ announcement Tuesday, Mills called out the senator for not standing up to President Donald Trump.

“Seniority without a backbone is just tenure,” Mills said in a statement, “and after decades in Washington, Senator Collins has failed to demonstrate the leadership required in this dangerous moment in history. As Donald Trump tramples on the Constitution, undermines the rule of law, and weaponizes the federal government against the American people, Susan Collins is refusing to stand up to his abuses and is instead rubber stamping a Republican agenda that prioritizes the wants of the wealthy over the needs of working Maine people.”

Meanwhile, the Republican National Committee labeled the Democrats in the race as “extreme versus more extreme,” referring to Mills and Platner, respectively.

“The only question is which of their candidates will run farther to the left to claim victory in this messy primary,” spokesperson Kristen Cianci said in a statement. “With candidates committed to a radical socialist agenda – including an actual Nazi and a repeat fraudster – it’s clear Maine’s Senate seat needs to remain in Republican hands.”

The latter remarks refer to Platner’s now-covered tattoo that resembled a Nazi symbol — a connection he denied knowing until recently. The revelation about the tattoo was in addition to sexist, racist, homophobic and other offensive statements unearthed last fall from Platner’s Reddit history.

While that part of his past led many outside Maine to believe that his quick rise was coming to an end, Platner has maintained a strong foothold, continuing to turn out massive crowds and build a deep volunteer base who relate to the candidate’s personal growth and are fed up with the establishment.

The RNC’s description of Mills as a “fraudster” refers to an ongoing investigation into state Medicaid payments, which has now been thrust into the national spotlight after a targeted request from the Trump administration.



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