Collins says Schumer is targeting her again in 2026 Maine Senate race

HARRISON, Maine — As she seeks a sixth six-year term in the U.S. Senate in left-leaning Maine, Republican Sen. Susan Collins is once again a top target for Democrats.

“I’ve been Democratic leader Chuck Schumer’s No. 1 target, not only in this campaign, but over the last two campaigns. I’m still his No. 1 target,” Collins told Fox News Digital in an exclusive national interview this week.

And it’s no different this time, as Collins seeks re-election in a competitive and high-profile 2026 race, one of just a few across the country that will likely determine whether Republicans maintain control of their slim Senate majority.

Facing Collins will likely be military veteran and oyster farmer Graham Platner, the almost certain Democratic nominee after Gov. Janet Mills, who was backed by Schumer and the Democratic Party establishment, dropped out of the race last week after trailing significantly behind Platner in fundraising and polling.

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Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner speaks during a news conference April 30, 2026 in Lewiston, Maine. (Robert F. Bukaty/AP PHOTO)

Platner is backed by Senate progressive champions Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts. The first-time candidate advocates an economically populist agenda by attacking corporate influences and defending the working class.

Asked if Platner was too left-wing for voters in his northern New England state, Collins said, “I believe that will be the conclusion of voters in Maine. But, obviously, I’m not taking anything for granted.”

A Republican group supporting Collins is already criticizing Platner in a new ad for controversial comments he made more than a decade ago on Reddit about women and rape and for a high-profile tattoo on his chest that resembled a Nazi symbol.

Among the comments was one from 2013, which Platner later deleted, that said people concerned about rape shouldn’t “feel so screwed that they end up having sex with someone they don’t want to.”

The candidate apologized for his controversial Reddit posts after they made headlines last fall, shortly after launching his Senate campaign. Platner said he got the skull and crossbones tattoo in 2007 while drinking with other Marines stationed in Croatia. He said he covered the tattoo with a new design after learning last year that it resembled a Nazi symbol.

Asked if she would target Platner because of his political background, Collins replied: “I’m obviously going to compare my track record and my accomplishments to Graham Platner’s approach.”

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Senator Susan Collins of Maine arrives for an interview with Fox News Digital in Washington, DC, February 10, 2026. (Paul Steinhauser/Fox News)

Collins paused before saying, “I don’t want to give too much insight into our strategy.”

But the senator added that she “hopes that we can have a civil campaign, where we discuss the problems and the achievements. That’s my goal.”

Platner, who presents himself as an outsider, emphasizes that Collins is part of a “broken Washington” and “a generation of politicians who have failed us.”

He described Collins’ moderate Republican image as a “charade,” emphasizing his support for some of the presidents. Donald Trump’the president’s agenda and accuses her of being part of a political system that benefits the rich.

“She and Republican politicians like her have prioritized the interests of billionaires and corporations over the interests of people,” he charged.

The Republicans – as the party currently in power in Washington, DC – were already facing the traditional political winds that typically lead to a loss of congressional seats. Add to that the difficult climate fueled by persistent inflation, rising gas prices linked to what polls show is an unpopular war with Iran and Trump’s undervalued approval ratings.

When asked how she can overcome Republican blame for the high cost of living, Collins said she defends the Low-Income Heating Assistance Program, which “helps low-income families and seniors stay warm during the cold winter months. I recently made sure that the last round of money was released because there is a lot of need in the state of Maine and the cost of living is high here.”

Collins also emphasized her opposition to cuts “to food stamp benefits and other programs designed for low-income families because I know how important they are.”

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Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine visits a food bank in Harrison, Maine, May 5, 2026. (Paul Steinhauser/Fox News)

The senator was interviewed at a food bank that grew thanks to federal funding that Collins helped secure.

“It’s so satisfying to be here today and to know that I played a very small role, but an essential role, in allowing this food bank to expand its community hall, its kitchen, and helping it to be even more successful,” she said. “This food bank is extraordinary. It serves more than 1,000 families each week.

Democrats’ narrow path to regaining control of the Senate runs through Maine, and Collins will once again face an avalanche of offensive ads.

Pointing to Schumer, Collins said: “Last time he invested in Maine with his affiliated groups, over $160 million, all in negative ads trashing me and misrepresenting my record. He’s already doing it now.”

But she added that “fortunately, Maine people are smart and they recognize lies and distortions when they see them.”