A new poll shows that most voters in Maine believe it might be time for Senator Susan Collins to wrap up her long Senate career at the end of her current term.
The survey, conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center, found that 71% of Mainers think Collins should not run again in 2026. Only 21% support her seeking another term. Collins, who’s held her Senate seat since 1996, is known for her moderate approach and has been a familiar name in Maine politics for nearly three decades.
Digging into the numbers, the poll shows widespread agreement across party lines: 84% of Democrats, 67% of independents, and even 57% of Republicans say it’s time for Collins to retire. While U.S. Senators don’t have term limits, Collins’ current six-year term is set to end in 2026.
Despite the public sentiment, the senator hasn’t ruled out another run. In a statement last November, she said her focus remains on her work in the Senate—particularly on the appropriations process—but confirmed she’s planning to run again.
Throughout her career, Collins has maintained broad appeal, often winning support from independents and even some Democrats, which has helped her hold onto her seat in a state that typically leans blue. Her political balance has been a key reason she’s stayed in office so long.
Regardless of what she decides, the 2026 race for her seat is expected to be competitive. Maine has a history of swinging between parties depending on the political climate, and this race will likely draw national attention.
Collins has played a central role in many major Senate votes, and whether she stays or steps down could have a big impact on the Senate’s makeup moving forward.