Context:

As the 2026 elections approach, Senator Susan Collins of Maine is considering a run for her sixth term, which would significantly impact the Democrats' strategy to regain Senate control. Despite Collins' moderate stance and influential position as chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Democrats are hopeful that her potential vulnerabilities, such as her complicated relationship with Donald Trump, could create an opportunity to flip her seat. However, Democrats face a challenge in finding a formidable candidate, as high-profile figures like Governor Janet Mills and Representative Jared Golden have not committed to running against Collins. Meanwhile, Golden's political future remains uncertain as he contemplates potential runs for various positions, including maintaining his competitive House seat, which Republicans are targeting. Additionally, former Maine Governor Paul LePage's candidacy for Golden's House seat adds another layer of complexity to the political landscape in Maine.

Dive Deeper:

• Senator Susan Collins, the only Republican senator from New England, is contemplating a sixth-term run in the 2026 elections, with her decision heavily influencing Democratic strategies and hopes to flip her seat and gain a Senate majority.

• Despite her moderate reputation and key role as chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Collins faces potential vulnerabilities due to her past votes and decisions concerning Donald Trump, which could be a double-edged sword in the upcoming election.

• Democrats are struggling to secure a strong candidate to challenge Collins, as prominent figures like Governor Janet Mills and Representative Jared Golden have not committed to running, leaving the Democratic party without a clear contender.

• Jared Golden, a centrist and former staffer for Collins, faces his own political uncertainties as he considers running for various offices, including retaining his competitive House seat, which is a target for Republicans led by Speaker Mike Johnson.

• Former Maine Governor Paul LePage has entered the race for Golden's House seat, bringing with him significant name recognition and fundraising capabilities, despite his contentious history with Trump, which Republicans believe will give them an advantage.

• The Democrats are keen to retain Golden in the House due to the critical nature of each seat in determining party control post-2026, even as they prepare for the possibility of his departure from the chamber.

• Collins' complex relationship with Trump, including her votes against some of his nominees and her impeachment trial stance, may influence her appeal to Maine voters, balancing her independent brand with potential backlash from Trump-aligned Republicans.