Republicans Need Susan Collins to Hold the Senate — But Trump’s Renewed Attacks Threaten Her 2026 Bid

Donald Trump on Thursday renewed a public attack on Republican Sen. Susan Collins, saying the longtime Maine lawmaker 'should never be elected to office again' after she joined Democrats to limit presidential authority over future military action related to Venezuela. The comment, posted on Truth Social, singled out Collins and four other Republicans who voted for the measure.

Why This Matters

Collins remains a pivotal vote for Republicans trying to keep control of the Senate in 2026. She faces a difficult reelection in Maine, a state President Trump lost by seven points in 2024. Her path to victory depends on assembling a coalition of independents and moderate Democrats while still turning out Republican voters who supported Trump — a fragile balancing act that could be complicated by an escalating feud with the former president.

Political Stakes And Reactions

After Trump’s post, Collins told reporters she guessed the president 'would prefer to have Gov. Mills or somebody else with whom he's not had a great relationship' — referencing a tense exchange last year between Trump and Maine Gov. Janet Mills, who is running against Collins in 2026. Mills criticized Collins’ vote as politically timed.

'Susan never does the right or hard thing the first time when it’s needed most — only when it serves her politically. She is always a day late and a dollar short,' Mills said in a statement. 'To the President, I say "See you in the Senate!" Wait until you see what I've got in store for your MAGA agenda.'

Graham Platner, another Democratic challenger, has not publicly responded to requests for comment. Some Democrats cheered Trump’s attack, calling Collins a top pickup opportunity on a competitive Senate map.

Electoral Calculus And Historical Context

Trump’s on-again, off-again hostility has pushed other Republicans from office in the past, but there is no public sign the White House is mounting a full effort to recruit a primary opponent to Collins — and time is limited if they were to try. Officials speaking on background told reporters that Republicans believe they could retain the Senate with or without Collins, and suggested Trump’s remarks may reflect a temporary flare-up rather than a sustained campaign.

Collins has a history of breaking with party leadership and Trump on high-profile issues, from helping block an attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act in Trump’s first term to opposing the immediate confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett in 2020. Despite past clashes with Trump, Collins won reelection in 2020 with 52% of the vote while Trump carried Maine with 44%.

Polls, Prospects And Next Steps

A recent Maine poll showed Trump 19 points underwater on net approval and Collins 17 points underwater. The same survey found Collins tied with both Mills and Platner in hypothetical general election matchups. No major Republican primary challenger has emerged yet, and some state Republicans acknowledge a credible alternative to Collins would more likely be a Democrat than another Republican.

Former GOP Sen. Mark Kirk and other allies argue Collins’ long-standing popularity in Maine could blunt attacks from Trump and even attract voters who oppose Trump’s interference. Still, strategists warn that distancing from Trump risks alienating the former president’s core supporters while relying on independents and Democrats may not be enough.

Alex Gangitano contributed reporting to this story.