Maine Republican Senator Distances Herself From Trump Ahead of Tough Midterms
Sen. Susan Collins is actively separating herself from Donald Trump as she faces a challenging re-election campaign in a blue-leaning state.
Donald Trump is attempting to link all Republican candidates to his platform to boost turnout, but his declining popularity is prompting vulnerable GOP officeholders to distance themselves. Sen. Susan Collins, representing a Democratic-leaning Maine, has highlighted her independent record by denouncing Trump’s trade war with Canada and joining the minority GOP vote against his attorney-general pick, Todd Blanche. She also called for a pause on non-essential immigration stops after a fatal shooting in Biddeford.
Collins faces a tough race as the only Republican seeking re-election in a state that backed Kamala Harris in 2024, and her former senior campaign adviser says Trump is her biggest obstacle. Her stance underscores the broader split within the party as it confronts unfavorable midterm odds.
Why it matters
Collins' break with Trump illustrates the growing rift in the GOP and could influence the party’s performance in key swing states.
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