White House officials have discussed potential candidates who could replace Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) if she elects not to run again in 2026, according to a person familiar with the conversation granted anonymity to speak about political strategy.
Though there is no discussion of pushing a primary on the 72-year old, President Donald Trump would love to see a “better option,” in place of one of his most persistent GOP critics, the person said.
Though she hasn’t formally launched a campaign, the Senate Appropriations chair confirmed Tuesday she is planning to run again and was “pleased” with the strong fundraising she reported last week.
Collins’ office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The person declined to say who Trump might like to see run if Collins retires when her fifth term ends.
Collins — chair of the historically powerful Appropriations Committee — is one of a handful of lawmakers Democrats hope to knock out to retake the majority. Flipping Maine, which then-Vice President Kamala Harris carried in 2024, would be much easier for Democrats if Collins decided not to run.
Collins, a moderate Republican, has faced an uphill battle in the Senate this month, with GOP leaders pushing through Trump’s megabill, while snubbing some of her safety-net cutback concerns. In addition this week, Republicans are pushing through a Trump clawback effort of $9 billion in spending Collins helped approve.
