recent poll reveals that most voters in Maine believe Senator Susan Collins should retire at the end of her current term rather than seek reelection.
The survey, conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center, found that 71% of Maine voters think Collins should not run for another term, while 21% support her continuing in office. Senator Collins, who was first elected in 1996, has served Maine for nearly three decades and is known for her reputation as a moderate voice in the Senate.
Breaking down the numbers, the poll shows that 84% of Democrats, 67% of independents, and 57% of Republicans favor her retirement. Although there are no term limits for U.S. Senators, Collins’ current six-year term is set to expire in 2026.
Despite the polling numbers, Collins has expressed her intention to run for reelection. In a statement made last November, she indicated that her current focus is on legislative duties, particularly the appropriations process, but confirmed that she plans to campaign for another term.
Collins has historically found success appealing to a wide range of voters across party lines, which has helped her win reelection in a state that often leans Democratic. Her ability to secure support from independents and some Democratic voters has been a key factor in her political longevity.
Regardless of whether she decides to run, the upcoming 2026 Senate race in Maine is expected to be highly competitive. Maine has demonstrated a tendency to support candidates from both major parties depending on the political climate, and many observers predict that the seat will be closely watched nationally.
Senator Collins has played an influential role in several major Senate decisions during her time in office, and her potential retirement or reelection bid is likely to have a significant impact on the makeup of the Senate in the next term.
As Maine voters consider the future, political analysts suggest that the state’s independent streak will again play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the 2026 election.