New Poll Shows Overwhelming Majority of Voters Want Susan Collins to Retire as 2026 Decision Looms

A recent poll has sent shockwaves through Maine’s political landscape, revealing that a significant majority of voters in the state believe Senator Susan Collins, a fixture in the U.S. Senate since 1996, should retire rather than run for another term. This comes as a stark challenge to Collins, who has already announced her intention to seek reelection in 2026. The poll results, which span party lines, raise important questions about Collins’ political future and the broader implications for the Senate’s power dynamics.

Poll Results: A Resounding Message

A new survey from the University of New Hampshire Survey Center indicates that a striking 71% of Maine voters think Collins should step down, while only 21% want her to run again. This represents a dramatic shift in public sentiment toward a senator who once enjoyed overwhelming bipartisan support. What’s most surprising is the broad, cross-party opposition. A staggering 84% of Democrats, 67% of independents, and 57% of Republicans are now calling for her retirement, sending a strong signal that her political standing is eroding, even within her own party.

While the poll’s methodology and sample size are still under review, the University of New Hampshire Survey Center is known for its credibility in New England politics, and the overwhelming numbers suggest this sentiment is likely to hold.

Susan Collins’ Political Legacy and Challenges

Throughout her nearly three-decade career, Collins has positioned herself as one of the Senate’s last true moderates, frequently breaking with her party on high-profile votes. Her balancing act between bipartisan appeal and maintaining conservative support in rural Maine helped her maintain a unique political identity. However, the political tides shifted significantly during the Trump era, especially after her controversial vote to confirm Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in 2018, which alienated many of her former allies in the Democratic and independent camps.

Despite a tough reelection in 2020, where she narrowly defeated Democratic challenger Sara Gideon, Collins’ political future is now being questioned more fiercely than ever before. The high cost of that race—over $200 million—underscored the national importance of her seat, and now, just years later, her decision to run again is under intense scrutiny.

Her Current Position and Reelection Plans

Even with public sentiment turning against her, Collins has remained firm about running for another term. In a recent interview, she stated, “I’m focused on the appropriations process, not elections right now, but my intention is to run.” As a senior member of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, Collins wields considerable influence, especially when it comes to delivering federal funds to Maine.

At 74 years old by the time of the 2026 election, Collins is well within the age range of many senators, but the growing public desire for her to retire may force her to reconsider. The poll results could influence her decision, particularly as Maine’s political landscape has shifted toward a more progressive direction, challenging the hold of moderate Republicans like Collins.

Maine’s Political Shifts and Ranked-Choice Voting

Maine’s political landscape has become increasingly liberal in recent years, especially in presidential elections. With a history of electing independents like Senator Angus King, Maine voters are looking for candidates who can bridge the divide across party lines. However, the growing polarization of national politics has made it harder for Republicans like Collins to maintain that centrist appeal.

One key factor in the 2026 election could be Maine’s ranked-choice voting system. This system, which allows voters to rank candidates by preference, could pose a significant challenge to Collins if she fails to secure a majority of first-choice votes. If Democrats can hold her below 50%, ranked-choice voting could see a challenger—likely from the left—emerge victorious, even if Collins has a plurality of support.

National Implications for Senate Control

Collins’ decision to seek reelection—or retire—holds national significance. Maine is one of the few states where Democrats could flip a Republican seat in 2026, a crucial year for Senate control. With Collins facing growing opposition and the race likely to be highly competitive, her seat could become a key battleground.

If Collins retires, Republicans may struggle to maintain control of her seat in a state that has leaned Democratic in presidential elections. A competitive primary within the Republican Party could lead to a nominee unable to attract the broad support Collins has relied on.

The Trump Factor and the Role of Moderation

Collins’ relationship with former President Donald Trump has been complex. She has broken with him on several issues, but also supported his key priorities, such as the confirmation of Justices Gorsuch and Kavanaugh. Her moderate stance, particularly during the Trump administration, alienated parts of her base while failing to fully restore her standing with former supporters in the middle.

As Trump returns to the White House in 2025, Collins will likely face more pressure from the right, and her role as a potential counterweight to some of Trump’s policies could be pivotal in her effort to rebuild her support. However, the polarized nature of modern politics means that every decision Collins makes will be closely scrutinized by both sides of the political spectrum.

The Growing Struggle of Moderation in Today’s Politics

Collins’ current position reflects a broader trend in American politics—the increasing difficulty of maintaining a moderate stance. Polarization has made it harder for centrist politicians to keep support across party lines. The poll showing that a significant majority of voters want her to retire, including those from her own party, signals that her political brand is struggling to resonate in today’s more partisan climate.

Looking Ahead: Potential Successors and the Path Forward

If Collins decides to retire, both parties would likely see competitive primaries. Former Governor Paul LePage, current Representatives like Jared Golden, and state legislators could all vie for the Republican nomination. On the Democratic side, a host of potential candidates could emerge, from former members of Congress to prominent state figures.

The absence of an incumbent would make Maine a major battleground in 2026, and with the state’s independent streak, both national parties would likely pour resources into the race.

The Final Decision: A Turning Point for Collins

The poll results leave Collins at a crossroads. With broad bipartisan support for her retirement, her decision will not only affect her personal legacy but also play a pivotal role in the fight for Senate control. Will she heed the public’s desire for fresh leadership, or will she press forward with her reelection campaign? The coming months will reveal whether Collins will continue her political career or bow out gracefully, marking a major shift in Maine’s political landscape.