Susan Collins announces reelection bid in pivotal Maine Senate race

The 73-year-old Republican senator faces a renewed Democratic effort to unseat her in a race that could determine control of the U.S. Senate.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Republican Sen. Susan Collins announced her reelection bid for the Maine Senate seat she has held for five terms. The campaign will test Collins' political survival skills as she faces outrage over immigration enforcement tactics and a renewed Democratic effort to oust her in a race that could determine control of the U.S. Senate.

Why it matters

Collins' reelection bid is seen as a pivotal race that could impact the balance of power in the Senate. As a moderate Republican, her vote has been crucial in several key Senate decisions, and her victory or defeat could sway the Senate majority.

The details

Collins, 73, has won five terms by casting herself as a reflection of Maine's independent spirit, occasionally clashing with President Donald Trump while also largely supporting his agenda. She faces challenges from Democratic candidates Gov. Janet Mills and political newcomer Graham Platner, who have criticized Collins' stance on immigration enforcement and her broader support for Trump's policies.

  • 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 and is now seeking a sixth term.

Janet Mills

The Democratic governor of Maine and one of Collins' top challengers in the 2026 Senate race.

Graham Platner

A political newcomer and anti-establishment Democrat who has gained traction in the 2026 Senate race with his message of economic equality.

Donald Trump

The former president whose agenda Collins has largely supported, despite occasionally clashing with him.

Kristi Noem

The current Secretary of Homeland Security, whose immigration enforcement tactics have drawn criticism in Maine.

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What they’re saying

“Gov. Janet Mills has accused Collins of governing 'without any courage' shortly after the Republican voted in favor of funding the DHS and several other agencies in January.”

— Janet Mills, Governor of Maine (ksgf.com)

“Platner has demanded that the agency be dismantled and said he did not believe Collins or the Trump administration's promise to leave Maine.”

— Graham Platner, Democratic Senate Candidate (ksgf.com)

What’s next

The 2026 Maine Senate election will be a closely watched race that could determine control of the U.S. Senate. Voters will have a choice between the moderate Republican incumbent Susan Collins and her Democratic challengers, who have criticized her stance on immigration enforcement and her broader support for Trump's policies.

The takeaway

Collins' reelection bid highlights the ongoing political divide in Maine and the broader national landscape, where control of the Senate hangs in the balance. The race will test Collins' ability to maintain her independent image and appeal to Maine's independent-minded voters, while her Democratic opponents seek to capitalize on the state's shifting political dynamics.