Sen. Susan Collins said Tuesday she’s running for a sixth term representing Maine, pitching herself as an independent problem‑solver who wants to push back against the partisan fighting in Washington.
That message has worked for her before, but at 73, Ms. Collins is widely seen as the most vulnerable Republican senator up for reelection. Democrats hope the current political climate will finally end her long run.
“True leaders bring both sides together to seek common ground, not shout the loudest or seek the most social media clicks,” Ms. Collins said in her announcement, which first appeared in the Bangor Daily News. “I have a proven record of working for you, and I’m running for reelection because my experience, seniority and independence matter.”
She’ll face whomever emerges from a competitive Democratic primary between Gov. Janet Mills and Graham Platner, a former Marine and oyster farmer who’s drawn support from Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and the party’s liberal wing.
The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the race a “toss-up.”
In her announcement, Ms. Collins, chair of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, said voters face a clear choice in the midterms “between leaders committed to uniting Americans or further dividing us.”
“It’s a choice between problem solving or counterproductive confrontation,” she said. “At a time when Washington seems broken and trust is low, Maine needs experienced, steady leadership and a senator committed to the hard work it takes to get things done.”
Senate Republicans celebrated the news.
“Senator Susan Collins is a battle-tested leader whose fierce independence has led to historic wins for Maine,” said South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, the Senate GOP’s campaign arm. “I’m confident Susan will defeat whoever emerges from the messy Democrat primary, because Mainers know they can always count on her.”
Senate Democrats, meanwhile, said Ms. Collins’ days are numbered, highlighting a recent survey that found her to be the second most unpopular senator, behind retiring Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.
“Susan Collins has lost the trust of Maine voters and this November they’ll hold her accountable at the ballot box,” the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee posted on X.
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.
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