Trump Seeks Replacement for Collins, but Options Appear Limited
President Donald Trump has expressed a desire for a “better option” than Maine Republican Senator Susan Collins to represent the state. Yet, the reality suggests he might struggle to find one.
The moderate senator often presents challenges for the White House, particularly as her vote is critical for advancing key components of Trump’s agenda. This has prompted discussions among White House officials about a potential successor should Collins decide against running for reelection, although there are no serious considerations for a primary challenge against her.
In a state increasingly leaning Democratic, local Republicans caution that Collins is essentially the only Republican capable of standing against strong Democratic contenders. Her seniority in the Senate and role in appropriations provide unique advantages that no other candidate could easily replicate. While some in the MAGA faction might prefer a candidate more aligned with Trump, the reality is that such a move could jeopardize the Republican hold on the seat.
“For very conservative individuals, Collins stepping aside may be a dream scenario,” noted Andre Cushing, a Penobscot County commissioner and former Republican state senator. “However, I genuinely believe she is committed to her position and does not take such decisions lightly. She still has my support, even when I disagree with her.”
Collins’ standing in Maine reflects the limitations of Trump’s political influence. The president has been actively attempting to manipulate the midterm landscape—directing Texas Republicans to redraw their electoral maps, pressuring House Republicans in battlegrounds to seek reelection rather than aim for higher offices, and even exploring primary challenges against incumbents who have diverged from his agenda. Collins, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, has openly expressed frustration regarding the White House’s attempts to retract funding she supports.
There seems to be little enthusiasm within either party for challenging Collins, who won her last election by a solid 9 points in 2020, even as Joe Biden won the state with relative ease.
This victory—achieved amidst unprecedented Democratic spending and widespread polling suggesting Collins was vulnerable—has left Democrats grappling to find a formidable opponent this election cycle, even as they point to her declining approval ratings.
Prominent Maine Democrats, including former Senate President Troy Jackson and Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, who faced Collins in 2014, have chosen to pursue the state’s open governorship instead. Meanwhile, Rep. Jared Golden of the 2nd District is focused on his own reelection bid.
This has left national Democrats searching for a strong candidate in what should be a prime opportunity to challenge Collins. Governor Janet Mills, who is term-limited, would likely be their top pick. However, at 77, she is actually older than Collins, 72, and the two have historically maintained a cooperative working relationship. Mills appears disinclined to enter what could be a contentious Senate race.
Even as some Republicans in Washington express frustration with Collins, there’s a notable lack of interest in mounting a primary challenge against her at home. “I don’t think any reasonable individual considering that position would entertain the idea of running against her,” stated Maine GOP strategist Alex Titcomb.
Collins has already indicated her intention to seek reelection. Her campaign fundraising saw a significant boost in the second quarter of the year, as reflected in recently filed finance reports. Moreover, a super PAC supporting her has reported raising a commendable $5.6 million this year, while the National Republican Senatorial Committee has already begun running digital ads for Collins.
The Democrats’ best chance of flipping the seat hinges on Collins opting not to run again. In such an event, Republicans would likely scramble to find a suitable replacement—given that Collins is the only GOP candidate to have won statewide in Maine since 2014.
“Everyone recognizes that Susan Collins is a valuable asset for the Republican Party in Maine,” remarked Garrett Mason, former Maine Senate majority leader and Republican gubernatorial candidate.
Collins has ruffled some feathers within the GOP during Trump’s presidency, notably with her votes against his defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, and the expansive “One Big Beautiful Bill.” A similar narrative unfolded during Trump’s initial term, where conservatives critiqued her stance against the Affordable Care Act repeal. Nevertheless, Collins managed to consolidate support within the Republican base for her 2020 reelection campaign, even earning an endorsement from former Governor Paul LePage, who had previously been critical of her.
Ultimately, Republicans in Maine acknowledge that when it comes to the Senate seat, there truly isn’t a “better option.” Should Collins retire or face a primary defeat, the GOP would likely lose the seat. Many in the state still value her seniority in the Senate—a feature that would take another Republican years to establish.
“If someone were to challenge her and somehow succeed, it would be detrimental for Maine,” Mason concluded. “But I just don’t foresee that happening. That’s not the sentiment on the ground here.”
