Official NRSC-Endorsed Candidate: Susan Collins (R) Maine
Susan Collins’ Biographical Information
Susan Collins is the Incumbent Republican for the U.S. Senate in Maine for the 2026 election cycle. Collins is a lifelong Mainer running to defend her seat in the upcoming November 2026 general election.
Susan Collins’ Background and Record
Prior to running for the U.S. Senate, Susan Collins built a career in public service, notable for record investments in her home state of Maine. In her current and past roles, Collins has focused on being an effective and tireless advocate for Maine families. During her tenure in the Senate, Susan Collins has maintained a perfect voting record, she has never missed a roll call vote!
- Full Name: Susan Collins
- Current Role: U.S Senator (1997- Present)
- Key Accomplishments:
- Secured nearly $1.5 billion for 672 community development projects across all 16 Maine counties
- Authored the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act restoring full benefits for more than 25,000 Maine seniors, including retired teachers, police officers, and firefighters
- Secured a $100 million increase for Alzheimer’s research at the NIH, bringing total federal investment to $3.9 billion
- Helped deliver $48.4 million in funding to expand rural broadband access across Maine
- Authored the Paycheck Protection Program, helping more than 28,000 Maine small businesses retain jobs during the pandemic
- Secured $190 million to strengthen Maine’s rural hospitals and healthcare systems
- Secured nearly $71 million for Maine hospitals and health centers to support facility upgrades and expanded healthcare services
- Secured $1.8 billion for workforce training and job opportunity programs
- Led bipartisan efforts to expand access to workforce and career training programs
- Secured $39.8 million in LIHEAP funding to help Maine families with heating costs
- Secured $14.5 million for public safety and law enforcement projects across Maine
- Policy Priorities:
- Delivering Results for Maine Families and Communities
- Supporting Rural Maine
- Strengthening Maine’s Workforce
- Leading the Fight Against Alzheimer’s Disease
- Making Maine More Affordable
- Supporting Law Enforcement and Public Safety
- Supporting Small Businesses
- Public Service Background: Legislative Assistant to U.S. Senator William Cohen (1975-1987), Staff Director of Oversight of Government Management Subcommittee (1981-1987), Commissioner of Department of Professional and Financial Regulation (1987), Regional Director of Small Business Administration (1992), Deputy State Treasurer of Massachusetts (1993)
Susan Collins’ 2026 Campaign Priorities
- Delivering Results for Maine: Susan Collins has focused on securing federal investments for infrastructure, healthcare, workforce training, and economic development projects across all 16 Maine counties.
- Making Maine More Affordable: Collins supports lowering costs for Maine families, expanding access to affordable healthcare and home heating assistance, and protecting Social Security benefits for seniors.
- Supporting Rural Maine: Collins has prioritized strengthening rural hospitals, expanding broadband access, and improving healthcare and economic opportunities in rural communities.
- Strengthening Maine’s Workforce: Collins supports workforce training programs, career education opportunities, and policies that help Mainers gain the skills needed for good-paying jobs.
- Supporting Small Businesses: Collins authored the Paycheck Protection Program and continues to advocate for policies that support Maine’s small businesses and local economies.
- Public Safety and Law Enforcement: Collins supports law enforcement agencies, public safety funding, and efforts to combat drug trafficking and protect Maine communities.