U.S. Sen. Susan Collins speaks during an event at New Balance in Skowhegan in September 2025. (Joe Phelan/Staff Photographer)
Susan Collins formally announced that she is seeking her sixth term in the U.S. Senate, portraying herself as a pragmatic, bipartisan lawmaker more interested in getting results than scoring political points or making viral content for social media.
Collins’ announcement, which she made in a column in the Bangor Daily News and in a social media video, was not a surprise. Collins has repeatedly indicated her intent to run in one of the most closely watched and competitive races in the country.
“True leaders bring both sides together to seek common ground, not shout the loudest or seek the most social media clicks,” Collins wrote. “I have a proven record of working for you, and I’m running for reelection because my experience, seniority and independence matter.”
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The five-term Republican’s announcement comes one week after President Donald Trump signed five more budget bills she helped negotiate as chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee into law. The measures contained more than $425 million in earmarks for projects in Maine.
Collins is widely considered the most endangered Republican senator running in the 2026 cycle. She’s the last New England Republican in Congress and the only Republican running in a state won by Democrats in the 2024 presidential election.
While Collins positions herself as a moderate deal-maker, Democrats reminded voters that she has been a reliable vote for President Donald Trump.
Local and national Democrats highlighted her crucial vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court, which eventually resulted in the end of federal abortion rights. Collins also cast a key vote to advance the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which eventually became law, and which contained nearly $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid.
Before taking on Collins, Democrats must navigate a competitive primary between two-term Gov. Janet Mills, the 78-year-old who is preferred by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer; and political newcomer Graham Platner, a 41-year-old combat veteran and oyster farmer backed by progressives and Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont.
Max McClung scored 12 of his 33 points in the fourth quarter, and the Windy City Bulls went on a 15-2 run in the fourth quarter to pull away for a 121-106 win over the Maine Celtics in an NBA G League game Friday night at the Portland Expo.
Kevin Knox II added 30 points, 21 in the second half.
Amari Williams led the Celtics with 26 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Jalen Bridges made six 3-pointers and finished with 22 points, but the Celtics dropped to 2-8 in their last 10 games. Maine has lost four straight games at the Expo.
Press Herald sports writers nominate high school athletes from the prior week’s games.
Readers vote for their top choice and the winner will be announced in the newspapers the following Sunday all season long!
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A collective of environmental, arts and Indigenous-led organizations is collaborating to produce We Are the Watershed, a two-day event aimed at reconnecting humans with nature and revitalizing the health of waterways, estuaries, and the bay in Peskotomuhkatikuk (traditional Passamaquoddy territory). Events, including theatrical performances, music, culinary experiences and an exhibition of submitted artwork, will be held on May 1 and 2 at Eastport Arts Center (EAC). A publication of written and visual works will also be released with proceeds to support conservation efforts and spreading awareness of their impacts.
Submissions sought: Written and visual works are currently sought from artists and creatives on both sides of the border across Peskotomuhkatikuk for the publication, which will be sold by donation at the May event. Proceeds from the sale will be dedicated to related community-building efforts, public engagement, and continued restoration efforts. The deadline for digital submission for the publication is April 1.
Physical works can be dropped off at EAC Sunday, April 26 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to be a part of the exhibition, which will run May 1 through 15. Artists under 18 will receive 100% of the proceeds if they opt to put their pieces up for sale during the exhibit, which will run May 1 through May 15. Artists over 18 will receive 70% of the proceeds with the remainder going toward promoting awareness of and supporting conservation efforts for the Passamaquoddy Bay.
The Eastport Arts Center
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Every week through Apr 01, 2026. Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
