Senator Susan Collins, a Republican representing Maine in the U.S. Senate since 1997, is facing growing opposition to her potential re-election bid in 2026, according to a recent poll. The survey, conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center, shows that 71% of respondents believe Collins should not run for another term, while only 21% said they would support her candidacy.
Collins, known for her independent stance, has often bucked party lines, notably opposing former President Trump’s policies. She voted against his nominees, such as Kash Patel for FBI Director and Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense, and frequently criticized his tariff policies. Many Republican voters have expressed frustration with her decisions, particularly her reluctance to fully back Trump’s agenda, which sometimes aligned her with Democrats on key issues. She notably voted against Trump’s tax overhaul and efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act during his first term.
Despite Maine’s overall Democratic tilt in national politics, Collins has managed to remain the state’s longest-serving member of Congress, largely due to her influence over federal spending decisions that benefit the state. However, with the majority of Maine voters now against her re-election, the GOP may face challenges in securing her seat in 2026.
