Who Is Running for Senate in Maine in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Susan Collins
(Incumbent)Economy
HighSenator Susan Collins supports fiscally responsible, bipartisan funding packages, championing bills like the FY 2026 appropriations to reopen government and fund various departments. She has a mixed record on economic issues, including voting for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and supporting some Bush tax cuts while opposing others due to deficit concerns. Collins also advocates for policies that support small businesses, robust workforce training, and tax relief for families and job creators.
Immigration
HighSenator Susan Collins opposed what she described as "sweeping and indiscriminate" immigration enforcement surges by ICE in Maine and Minnesota, asking DHS to pause these operations. She supported continued funding for DHS, specifying that the bill included $22 million for body cameras and de-escalation training for ICE agents to improve trust and accountability. Collins also supported the SAVE Act, which would require states to check voter rolls against a federal immigration database.
Healthcare
HighSusan Collins has championed efforts to lower prescription drug costs and increase funding for diabetes and Alzheimer's research. She supports expanding healthcare access, especially in rural areas. Collins voted against extending ACA tax credits without reforms, arguing the ACA is a "broken system" that needs fixing. She proposed amendments to ensure taxpayer-funded credits target low- and middle-income families through an income phaseout. She has also accepted campaign contributions from health insurers.
Democratic Candidate
No Democratic candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Susan Collins |
|---|---|
| Economy | Senator Susan Collins supports fiscally responsible, bipartisan funding packages, championing bills like the FY 2026 appropriations to reopen government and fund various departments. She has a mixed record on economic issues, including voting for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and supporting some Bush tax cuts while opposing others due to deficit concerns. Collins also advocates for policies that support small businesses, robust workforce training, and tax relief for families and job creators. High |
| Immigration | Senator Susan Collins opposed what she described as "sweeping and indiscriminate" immigration enforcement surges by ICE in Maine and Minnesota, asking DHS to pause these operations. She supported continued funding for DHS, specifying that the bill included $22 million for body cameras and de-escalation training for ICE agents to improve trust and accountability. Collins also supported the SAVE Act, which would require states to check voter rolls against a federal immigration database. High |
| Healthcare | Susan Collins has championed efforts to lower prescription drug costs and increase funding for diabetes and Alzheimer's research. She supports expanding healthcare access, especially in rural areas. Collins voted against extending ACA tax credits without reforms, arguing the ACA is a "broken system" that needs fixing. She proposed amendments to ensure taxpayer-funded credits target low- and middle-income families through an income phaseout. She has also accepted campaign contributions from health insurers. High |
| Climate & Energy | Susan Collins voted for the Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies funding bill. She secured nearly $68 million for Congressionally Directed Spending projects in Maine, including investments in public lands and national parks, and funding for rural water technical assistance programs. Collins states her commitment to advancing reasonable policies that protect Maine's environment, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create clean energy jobs. She also supports critical infrastructure for clean drinking water and flood risk mitigation. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Senator Susan Collins opposes the Women’s Health Protection Act (WHPA), voting against it in 2026. Her opposition stems from concerns that the WHPA would invalidate the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and supersede conscience protections for healthcare providers with religious objections to abortion. Collins supports codifying the abortion rights established by Roe v. Wade and affirmed by Planned Parenthood v. Casey, and has introduced legislation to achieve this while maintaining existing conscience protections. High |
| Foreign Policy | Senator Susan Collins opposed an amendment to the NATO treaty that would have reserved Finnish and Swedish accession, upholding Article V collective defense. She supported the CHIPS and Science Act to strengthen U.S. capacity in strategic sectors and manage competition with China. Collins criticized Democrats for blocking the Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Appropriations Bill, citing its importance for deterrence and the defense industrial base. She voted against Pete Hegseth's nomination for Secretary of Defense. High |
| Education | Senator Susan Collins supports education at all levels, including early childhood, K-12 public schools, and higher education affordability. As a member of the Senate Appropriations and Education Committees, she works to secure robust funding and targeted legislation for effective programs. She has advanced funding for institutions like the UMaine System and MDI Biological Laboratory, and champions initiatives like the Geriatrics Workforce Improvement Act. High |
| Gun Policy | Senator Susan Collins negotiated and supported the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which she described as the most significant gun safety legislation in decades, aiming to prevent gun violence while safeguarding Second Amendment rights. She advocated for funding crisis intervention programs, specifically referencing Maine's yellow flag law, which includes due process and medical professional assessment to temporarily restrict firearm possession for individuals posing a serious threat. High |
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