‘I’m running’: Maine’s Susan Collins launches campaign for a 6th U.S. Senate term

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.”

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.

This is a developing story.