The political landscape is heating up as the 2026 midterm elections come into focus, with both newcomers and seasoned politicians stepping into the spotlight. Among them, Senator Susan Collins of Maine has officially thrown her hat back into the ring, announcing her candidacy for re-election to the Senate seat she has held since 1997. This move, anticipated by many political observers, reaffirms her long-standing presence in national politics.
In her announcement, Senator Collins wasted no time articulating the reasons behind her decision to seek another term. Known for her moderate stance, Collins has often been seen as a centrist within her party, as reflected in her lifetime rating of just over 43 from the CPAC Center for Legislative Accountability.
Despite the Cook Political Report categorizing her seat as “Lean R,” recent polling data paints a challenging picture for Collins. The RealClearPolitics average indicates that she trails behind her potential Democratic rival, Graham Platner, by margins ranging from one to four points. However, it’s important to note that these polls were conducted late last year, prior to her formal campaign announcement.
Within the Republican ranks, Collins is often labeled as a moderate, sometimes earning the moniker of a “squish” from her more conservative peers. Her pragmatic approach, balancing party allegiance with independent thought, continues to define her tenure and influence her political journey.
Why I’m running.https://t.co/cI3SYRLkKP
— Susan Collins for Senator (@SenSusanCollins) February 10, 2026
Senator Collins isn’t a rock-ribbed conservative, holding a lukewarm lifetime rating of a hair over 43 from the CPAC Center for Legislative Accountability.
While the Cook Political Report has the seat rated as a “Lean R,” the RealClearPolitics (RCP) polling average shows Collins trailing her likely Democrat opponent, oysterman Graham Platner, from four points to one point – but the available polls were taken in November and December of 2025, well before Senator Collins announced for re-election.
Susan Collins is generally considered a squish by her more conservative colleagues in the Republican caucus.
