Susan Collins
Republican · Incumbent · U.S. Senate (ME) · 2026
Senate Appropriations Committee chair whose authority over federal spending makes her one of the most institutionally powerful members
Before politics: Staff to U.S. Sen. William S. Cohen 1975-1987; Staff Director, Senate Oversight Subcommittee 1981-1987; Commissioner, Maine Dept. of Professional & Financial Regulation 1987-1992; New England Regional Director, U.S. SBA 1992-1993; founding executive director, Center for Family Business, Husson College 1994-1996.
Their shot at this seat
Collins remains a narrow favorite to retain her seat because her demonstrated ability to withstand partisan headwinds outweighs the demographic lean of the state, provided her personal standing with swing voters holds.
Who's behind them
The campaign's robust financial war chest and broad base of support indicate that her coalition remains stable and well-resourced.
What could go wrong
While her resilience is proven, persistent ethical allegations create a vulnerability that could erode her support among independent voters if the narrative gains traction.
Why they fit this seat
Her traditional brand of institutionalism is increasingly challenged by a shifting electorate that is more focused on social issues and candidate integrity than legacy-based seniority.
Key contrasts
Opposes tariffs on Canada; prioritizes economic needs over politics.
opposes corporate PAC money; supports labor and tax reform
Who this moves: Maine lobstermen and blueberry industry workers impacted by trade tariffs on Canada.
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| Issue | Susan Collins | Troy Jackson | Who this moves |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy and taxes | Opposes Opposes tariffs on Canada; prioritizes economic needs over politics. | Supports opposes corporate PAC money; supports labor and tax reform | Maine lobstermen and blueberry industry workers impacted by trade tariffs on Canada. |
| Healthcare | Opposes Opposed OBBBA due to Medicaid concerns; supports rural healthcare. | Supports supports Medicare for All and drug price negotiation | Low-income families and rural residents dependent on Medicaid and local hospital services. |
| Abortion and social issues | Mixed Pro-choice; voted to confirm Kavanaugh, later expressed disappointment. | Supports supports abortion access; renounced past anti-abortion positions | Suburban women and moderate voters concerned by the 2018 Kavanaugh vote and subsequent Dobbs decision. |
| Democracy and elections | Avoids Denies corruption allegations; emphasizes record as incumbent. | Supports campaigns as outsider; opposes current Democratic leadership | Independent and swing voters in Maine evaluating the incumbent's long-term record against recent corruption allegations. |
| Immigration and border | Mixed Supports ICE funding but advocates for body cameras/oversight. | Opposes advocates for abolishing ICE; criticizes enforcement agency actions | Voters concerned about federal immigration enforcement tactics in Maine. |
| Foreign policy and defense | Supports Supports strong U.S.-Canada relations; opposes trade war. | Opposes opposes unconditional military aid to Israel; labels actions genocide | Voters with strong economic or family ties to Canada. |
Who has more standing to be believed
| Credibility axis | Susan Collins | Troy Jackson |
|---|---|---|
Insider knowledge | Multiple terms in federal office; currently serves on Senate HELP Committee. | State legislative experience only; no federal office held. |
Message discipline | Multiple documented reversals/contradictions on legislative votes and judicial confirmations. | Multiple reversals triggered public apologies and press coverage. |
Moral legitimacy | Endorsed by party organization and cross-aisle figure Joe Manchin. | Endorsed by party organization; no censure on record. |
Scandal resilience | Multiple allegations of bribery and ethics violations, with no criminal conviction. | Multiple confirmed formal events, including police reports and removals. |
Pressure absorption | Won contested general elections in cycles where her party lost the seat-type overall. | State-level officeholder; no federal election win on record. |
Multiple terms in federal office; currently serves on Senate HELP Committee.
State legislative experience only; no federal office held.
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Network
Endorsements and money spent against
National endorsements
- JD Vance
- John Thune
- Steve Daines
- Joe Manchin
- Mitt Romney
- Tim Scott
- Jeff Flake
- Nikki Haley
- Donald Trump
In-state power players
- Laurel Libby
Notable wildcards
- AIPAC
- ClearPath Foundation
- Log Cabin Republicans
- National Republican Senatorial Committee
- No Labels
- Senate Leadership Fund
Signals against
The case they'd make
Susan Collins appeals to suburban women and moderate voters who prioritize her institutional experience and long-term legislative record. These voters are evaluating her tenure against concerns regarding social policy and the integrity of her elective office. Her role as a powerful federal appropriator serves as the primary catalyst for her supporters seeking continued representation in the Senate.