Susan Collins Begins 2026 Senate Re-Election Campaign in Maine

Susan Collins officially announced Tuesday that she is running for re-election in 2026, launching a campaign that could result in her sixth term in the U.S. Senate.

According to WGME, Collins made the announcement in a brief video posted to YouTube, where she opens a box containing a New Balance sneaker before quipping that it’s fitting because she’s “running.” The lighthearted moment marked the formal start of what is expected to be one of the most closely watched Senate races in the country.

Collins is currently the only Republican senator representing New England, a distinction that has already drawn national attention to the race as Democrats look to flip the seat in a politically divided state, the news station reported.

WGME explained that shortly after the announcement, Janet Mills released a statement sharply criticizing Collins’ record and leadership. Mills argued that Collins’ long tenure in Washington has not translated into the decisive action needed during what she described as a critical moment for the country.

In her statement, Mills accused Collins of failing to stand up to Donald Trump, saying the senator has instead supported a Republican agenda that prioritizes wealthy interests over working Mainers. Mills positioned herself as a leader willing to challenge Trump and Washington’s status quo, emphasizing what she called the need for courage and conviction in federal leadership, WGME reported.

With less than a year to go before Election Day, the race is already shaping up to be a high-profile and potentially contentious contest with national implications.