A new statewide poll suggests that many voters in Maine are looking toward the future, with a growing number indicating it may be time for a new voice in the U.S. Senate. According to a recent survey conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center, 71% of respondents said they believe Senator Susan Collins should retire at the end of her current term, while 21% support her running again.
The results reflect a bipartisan sentiment, with 84% of Democrats, 67% of independents, and 57% of Republicans expressing a preference for change.
Senator Collins, who has served in the Senate since 1996, is among Maine’s most recognizable public officials. Known for her centrist approach and willingness to work across party lines, she has played a prominent role in national debates over nearly three decades in office. At 72, she continues to focus on legislative priorities and has confirmed that she plans to seek reelection in 2026.
Despite the recent polling, Collins has emphasized that her commitment to serving Maine remains strong. “My focus is on doing the work,” she recently stated, while also acknowledging that preparations for her next campaign are underway.
The 2026 race is expected to be highly competitive, especially given the state’s use of ranked-choice voting. In 2020, Collins won reelection with just over 51% of the vote, defeating Democratic challenger Sara Gideon in a closely watched contest. That victory underscored her ability to build support across a broad political spectrum, including Republicans, independents, and moderate Democrats.
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