Susan Collins Prepares for 2026 Senate Run as Democrats Seek Strong Challenger

Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine is preparing for a potential re-election campaign in 2026. Though she has not made a formal announcement, Collins told CNN that she is inclined to run and is taking steps in that direction. As the only Republican senator from New England, Collins holds a key seat that Democrats are eager to flip. Her decision will heavily influence the political landscape in the upcoming midterm elections.

Collins Signals Intent to Run Again

Susan Collins, 72, has served in the U.S. Senate since 1997 and is currently the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. In a recent interview, she said she enjoys her work and is preparing for a sixth term. However, she added that it is still early for a formal campaign announcement.

National Republican leaders expect her to run. They see her as a moderate voice in the party and believe her presence is vital in maintaining the GOP’s hold on a historically Democratic-leaning state.

Democrats Struggle to Find a Top-Tier Challenger

While Collins prepares behind the scenes, top Democrats are still searching for a strong opponent. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and other party leaders are in talks with key figures in Maine politics. Two of the most mentioned names are Governor Janet Mills and Congressman Jared Golden.

Mills, 77, has recently sparred with Donald Trump over issues such as transgender rights. She remains undecided and has publicly downplayed the idea of running for the Senate. According to sources, Schumer has spoken with her, but she has not committed to a run.

Golden, 42, is another potential contender. He is known for his centrist views and has criticized his party for being out of touch with working-class voters. However, he once worked for Collins and has a personal connection with her. In her last campaign, Golden stayed neutral. He has not ruled out a Senate bid but is also considering other options, including governor or seeking re-election to the House.

Collins’ Complicated Relationship with Trump

Collins has a long and sometimes tense history with former President Donald Trump. She voted to convict him after the January 6 Capitol riot and has refused to say whom she voted for in the 2020 election. In 2024, she wrote in Nikki Haley instead of voting for Trump and publicly stated she would not support him in 2016.

Despite this, she has supported some of Trump’s key initiatives and nominees, including Brett Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court. Her mixed stance could help her appeal to independent voters but may alienate Trump loyalists.

In a recent statement, Collins said she always runs on her own record and will continue to do so.

A Tough Midterm for the GOP?

Historical trends suggest that the party in the White House often loses seats during midterm elections. With Democrats pushing hard to regain Senate control, Collins’ seat becomes a top target. Public and private polls indicate that she may face a more difficult race in 2026 than in previous years.

Still, Democrats face a major hurdle: they lack a confirmed, high-profile candidate. While names like Mills and Golden are in discussion, neither has declared an intention to run. Another declared Democratic candidate is Jordan Wood, a former chief of staff to Rep. Katie Porter. However, his lack of political experience raises questions about his ability to challenge a seasoned incumbent like Collins.

Golden’s Decision Could Affect House Control

Jared Golden’s political future is also under close watch. If he runs for the Senate or governor, his House seat in northern Maine could flip to the Republicans. Former Governor Paul LePage has already entered the race, hoping to reclaim a role in Maine politics after losing to Mills in 2022.

LePage, 76, remains a controversial figure. Nonetheless, his high name recognition and fundraising potential make him a strong candidate. National Republicans are optimistic about their chances in Maine’s 2nd District, which voted for Trump.

House Republicans say they aim to win the seat regardless of Golden’s decision. Still, they acknowledge it would be easier without the incumbent in the race.

House Democrats are urging Golden to remain in the House, where every seat could determine the balance of power in 2027. Senior Democratic Rep. Brad Schneider noted that while no one is irreplaceable, he values working with Golden and hopes he stays.