Maine Senator Susan Collins Announces Retirement After 6th Term

The long-serving Republican plans to step down after her next election victory.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 4:40pm

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U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine, has announced that she will retire after completing her sixth term in office if she is reelected in the upcoming November election. Collins, who is currently 74 years old, would be 80 by the end of that final term.

Why it matters

Collins is one of the longest-serving senators in Maine's history, having first been elected in 1996. Her retirement will mark the end of an era and set off a high-profile race to succeed her, with both parties expected to vie for the open seat.

The details

During an event in Sanford, Maine on Tuesday, Collins told a News Center Maine reporter that her next term, if elected, would be her last. She cited her age as a factor in her decision, noting she would be 80 by the time the term ends.

  • Collins was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1996.
  • She is currently running for her sixth term in the 2026 election.
  • If reelected, Collins plans to retire at the end of that term.

The players

Susan Collins

A Republican U.S. Senator from Maine who has served since 1996 and is currently running for her sixth term.

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What they’re saying

“My health is good, but I just feel that it's time for me to retire and spend more time with my family.”

— Susan Collins, U.S. Senator

What’s next

Collins' announcement sets the stage for a high-profile race to succeed her, with both the Republican and Democratic parties expected to field strong candidates for the open Senate seat.

The takeaway

After over a quarter-century in the Senate, Susan Collins' retirement will mark the end of an era in Maine politics. Her decision reflects the changing nature of the Senate, as long-serving moderates like Collins become increasingly rare in the current partisan climate.