Trump’s Biggest Republican Enemy Gets Terrible News
Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) is facing serious headwinds in her bid for re-election, according to a new statewide poll. The survey, conducted by the University of New Hampshire and the American Association of Public Opinion Research, shows 71% of Maine voters believe Collins does not deserve another term in the U.S. Senate.
Only 21% of respondents think Senator Collins should be re-elected, while 8% remain undecided or have no opinion.
This sharp decline in support comes after Collins repeatedly distanced herself from President Donald Trump and traditional Republican values. She has been a vocal critic of the President’s America First trade policies and has sided with Democrats to protect bloated Medicaid spending—moves that have angered many conservatives across Maine.
Among registered Republicans in the state, 53% said they no longer support Collins, compared to just 40% who still believe she represents their interests. Another 6% reported being unsure, highlighting a growing unease among the party’s loyal base.
The dissatisfaction is even more pronounced among younger voters. Over half of Maine residents aged 18 to 34 oppose Collins’s return to Congress, reflecting a broader national trend of younger generations leaning leftward. Only 25% in this age bracket want her to serve another term.
The poll also tested the waters for potential challengers in the upcoming Maine Senate race.
When asked about Democrat Rep. Jared Golden, only 28% of respondents said they would like to see him run against Collins. A commanding 62% opposed the idea, while 9% were undecided. Meanwhile, Governor Janet Mills—who has already stated she does not intend to run—received a lukewarm response: 40% wanted her to enter the race, while a solid 56% said no.
The survey was conducted between April 17 and April 21, gathering responses from 2,850 adults across Maine. The results carry a margin of error of ±3.2%.
Bottom Line:
As the 2026 election approaches, Senator Susan Collins will need to reckon with her dwindling conservative support. For many Maine voters, particularly lifelong Republicans, the call for new leadership in Washington is growing louder. Whether Collins can reconnect with her base—or if a new conservative challenger will rise—remains to be seen.
