Susan Collins announces reelection bid for pivotal Maine Senate seat

The 73-year-old Republican senator is betting she can hold onto her seat despite a renewed Democratic effort to unseat her in a race that could determine control of the U.S. Senate.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Republican Sen. Susan Collins announced her reelection bid for the Maine Senate seat, which could be a pivotal race in determining control of the U.S. Senate. Collins, who has served five terms, is facing a renewed Democratic challenge as Maine has become increasingly blue in recent years. Her top Democratic challengers are Gov. Janet Mills and political newcomer Graham Platner, who have criticized Collins' record and ties to the Trump administration.

Why it matters

Collins' reelection bid is seen as a key race that could impact the balance of power in the Senate. As a moderate Republican, Collins has at times clashed with her party and the Trump administration, but has also largely supported the Republican agenda. Her ability to hold onto the seat in a state that has trended Democratic will be closely watched.

The details

Collins, 73, is betting that her reputation as an independent-minded senator who works across the aisle will help her overcome the Democratic challenge. Her top opponents, Mills and Platner, have criticized her record and ties to the Trump administration. Mills has accused Collins of lacking 'courage' in her governance, while Platner has called for dismantling Immigration and Customs Enforcement and said Collins should have kept her promise to serve just two Senate terms.

  • Collins announced her reelection bid on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
  • The election will take place in November 2026.

The players

Susan Collins

A 73-year-old Republican senator who has represented Maine in the U.S. Senate since 1997. She is seeking her sixth term in office.

Janet Mills

The Democratic governor of Maine, who is challenging Collins for the Senate seat.

Graham Platner

A first-time political candidate and oyster farmer who is also running as a Democrat against Collins.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I have always worked across the aisle to solve problems. Maine needs experienced, steady leadership that focuses on getting things done.”

— Susan Collins (castanet.net)

“Seniority without a backbone is just tenure, and after decades in Washington, Senator Collins has failed to demonstrate the leadership required in this dangerous moment in history.”

— Janet Mills, Governor of Maine (castanet.net)

“That's just one of a hundred reasons she doesn't deserve a sixth term.”

— Graham Platner, Democratic challenger (castanet.net)

What’s next

The election will take place in November 2026, and the outcome could determine control of the U.S. Senate.

The takeaway

Collins' reelection bid will test her ability to maintain her independent image and appeal to Maine's increasingly Democratic electorate. The race is seen as a key battleground that could impact the balance of power in the Senate.