Susan Collins Runs for Re-election in One of 2026’s Top Senate Fights

Senator Susan Collins of Maine announced on Tuesday that she will seek a sixth term, setting up what may be her most challenging and expensive re-election campaign yet. The Maine Republican, long seen as a centrist in Washington, had been widely expected to run again.

She posted a campaign video on social media in which she opens a box and takes out a pair of gray sneakers. "This is perfect for 2026," she says in the video, "because I’m running." Ms. Collins has drawn criticism for expressing concern and regret about many of President Trump’s actions while remaining a reliable vote for the Republican agenda, and Mr.

Trump said she and four other senators "should never be elected to office again" after their vote to begin debate on restricting his ability to use military force in Venezuela. Her seat is central to Democratic hopes of retaking the Senate: the party must flip four Republican-held seats, and she is widely viewed as the most endangered G.O.P.

susan collins, maine, senate, reelection, 2026, republican, centrist, donald trump, venezuela, democrats