Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine has seen her approval ratings fluctuate significantly, particularly after a challenging summer session where she sided with her party and President Donald Trump on several key votes.
A recent survey from Morning Consult reveals that only 38% of Mainers approve of her performance, marking a notable decline, especially as 54% expressed disapproval. This shift represents one of the lowest ratings for Collins in the eight years of tracking. Despite these numbers, moderate Republicans are optimistic as they head into the midterms, with Collins reportedly preparing to run for reelection in 2026.
Interestingly, Collins faced backlash for her stance against Trump’s policies, including a recent vote against his $9 billion recovery package. She highlighted concerns about how the funding cuts would impact various programs, especially concerning Medicaid and its effects on low-income families and rural healthcare providers.
Collins, along with two other Republican senators, also opposed Trump’s recent bill, citing issues with its Medicaid reforms. In response, she proposed increasing taxes on billionaires to support rural hospitals, aiming to raise funds for necessary healthcare services.
As of now, Collins is not facing any prominent challengers for her Senate seat, although discussions about potential alternatives are ongoing. The seasoned senator, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, has not formally announced her reelection bid, but she did express satisfaction with her recent fundraising efforts and the support she’s received.
Interestingly enough, she has previously waited until late in the year to declare her candidacy, so it’s possible she may hold off announcing this time as well. Various Republican campaign entities and super PACs are already actively raising funds for her campaign, reflecting a solid financial backing.
In the realm of public perception, Collins remains a prominent figure, although her challenges are evident. A recent poll showed that while 49% of respondents viewed her favorably, 45% did not, showcasing a tightly contested sentiment among voters. Some insiders suggest that her deep understanding of Washington politics and her efforts to explain her voting rationale contribute positively to her public image.
Looking ahead, she faces challenges from declared Democratic candidates, including former Maryland Environment Bureau Secretary David Costello and former Rep. Katie Porter’s chief of staff, Jordan Wood. These dynamics will be critical as she navigates the political landscape leading into the election.
Lastly, it’s worth noting that a few of her Republican colleagues, including Mitch McConnell and Ron Johnson, received similarly negative approval ratings in the latest survey, indicating a broader trend that may affect GOP standings in upcoming elections.
