Daila Smith Rodriguez Announces Senate Campaign Against Susan Collins
Daila Smith Rodriguez, a leader in the Civil Air Force, has officially declared her candidacy for the Senate, aiming to challenge incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins. Smith Rodriguez, a Democrat, has expressed her desire to bring a new perspective to Maine, suggesting that fresh voices are essential in contrast to what she describes as a “broken system.” Her entry comes amid hopes from several Democrats to unseat Collins, who has held her Senate seat since 1996.
In her announcement, Smith Rodriguez mentioned her inspiration to serve, stating, “As the daughter of a brigadier general, I felt a call to serve from a young age.” She highlighted her almost 15 years in the U.S. Air Force, claiming to have saved taxpayers billions while protecting service members from exploitation. Expressing frustration with what she sees as the shortcomings of career politicians like Collins, she reiterated her commitment to public service.
Main needs a senator who can confront America’s wealthiest and understands the courage to challenge powerful interests. I’m here to audit the Pentagon and prioritize the people.
According to a press release from her campaign, Smith Rodriguez intends to apply her experience in government to benefit ordinary Mainers, distancing herself from corporate interests in politics. There are other Democratic candidates also vying for the Senate in the upcoming 2026 elections, including oyster farmer Graham Platner and Dan Crevan, co-founder of Maine Beer Company. Additionally, former Capitol Hill staff member Jordan Wood is in the race. Maine’s Democratic Governor Janet Mills is also a potential candidate, currently exploring options for a Senate bid.
There are mixed opinions about Mills’ potential run, considering her personal admiration for Collins. An anonymous source indicated that the pressing political climate might inspire her to help Democrats regain a Senate seat. Collins has expressed plans to run for re-election in the upcoming midterms, a seat that many Democrats see as a significant opportunity for pickup.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee has signaled their intention to support Collins with advertisements this election year. Collins has faced criticism for voting against several major elements of President Trump’s initiatives. She successfully won her last election bid in 2020 by a margin of 9 percentage points, even as Joe Biden carried Maine. In the most recent presidential election, Trump secured 52.4% of votes in Maine, while Biden received 45.5%, making Collins the only GOP senator in a state that favored Biden.
Neither Collins’ office nor Smith Rodriguez’s campaign has responded to media inquiries at this time.
