Senator Susan Collins from Maine has thrown her hat back into the ring for the 2026 election, kicking things off with a clever twist. She unboxed a fresh pair of New Balance shoes and declared, “This is perfect for 2026, because I’m running.” It’s a lighthearted launch that’s already grabbing attention in the Pine Tree State.
This move comes after months of whispers that Collins might hang up her Senate boots and retire, per POLITICO. Instead, she’s gearing up for what promises to be a knockdown, drag-out fight in the general election. Maine’s voters are in for a wild ride, with both sides sharpening their knives early.
On the Democratic side, the primary is already a circus. Governor Janet Mills is squaring off against Graham Platner, a self-styled populist who’s stirring up plenty of drama. Platner’s past is raising eyebrows, from a tattoo with a N*zi symbol that’s since been scrubbed away to ancient Reddit rants where he called himself a “communist.”
Platner wasted no time firing shots at Collins. In a post on X, he blasted her, saying, “Susan Collins pledged to only serve two terms in the Senate. That’s just one of a hundred reasons she doesn’t deserve a sixth term.” He’s trying to paint her as an out-of-touch career politician, but his own baggage might weigh him down more.
Governor Mills isn’t holding back either. She slammed Collins hard, stating that the senator “has had almost three decades to prove that she’s the right leader for Maine in this critical moment — and she’s failed. Seniority without a backbone is just tenure, and another term won’t fix that. It’s time for her to go.” Mills is positioning herself as the tough, no-nonsense alternative.
The experts are calling this one a dead heat. The Cook Political Report has slapped a toss-up label on the race, meaning it’s anyone’s game.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee is all in on Collins. They’re the ones who back winners, and they’ve endorsed her as the best shot to hold the seat.
NRSC Chairman Tim Scott praised her sky-high, saying, “From protecting Social Security to supporting small businesses, no one works harder and is more dependable at delivering prosperity and opportunity.”
Scott didn’t stop there. He added, “I’m confident Susan will defeat whoever emerges from the messy Democrat primary, because Mainers know they can always count on her.”
Collins’ relationship with President Donald Trump has had its ups and downs. Trump has called her out in the past over votes on the War Powers Resolution, even saying Republicans like her “should never be elected to office again.” It’s no secret there have been tensions.
But lately, things look different. Just last week, Collins stood right beside Trump in the Oval Office for the signing that ended the partial government shutdown.
As the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Collins wields real power to bring home the bacon for Maine.
She’s also the only Republican in Congress from the New England area.
As the campaign ramps up, expect fireworks. Collins is lacing up those running shoes for a reason.
