Susan Collins' Senate Campaign Spent Over $163,000 on Private Jet Charters
Federal finance filings show that Susan Collins' campaign and two associated PACs paid more than $163,000 for private-jet services between 2025 and 2026.
Federal Election Commission filings indicate that Susan Collins' re-election effort and two of her political committees spent a total of $163,563 on private-jet charters from 2025 through 2026. The flights were booked through Exclusive Charter Service and Advanced Aviation Team, both of which market "presidential-level" service and count high-profile entertainers among their clients. Dirigo leadership PAC contributed $58,392.67 for a single charter, roughly five to seven hours at advertised rates.
Collins’ spokesperson maintains that private jets are used only when commercial options are unavailable for campaign travel. The disclosures come as Collins faces a competitive race against former logger Troy Jackson, with recent polls showing a narrow lead for the Democrat. Critics argue the spending clashes with Maine’s anti-elite political climate and the senator’s recent appeals for modest donations.
Why it matters
Voter perception of campaign spending could influence a closely contested Senate race in Maine.
How this story developed
- Aug 27 Rep. Jake Auchincloss Discusses Congressional Reform and Supreme Court Changes
- Aug 30 A climate researcher introduced a Supreme Court‑expansion litmus test for Senate Democrats.
- Sep 1 Jim Clyburn publicly advocated expanding the Supreme Court to 13 justices.
- Sep 2 Speaker Mike Johnson announced a House vote on a constitutional amendment to limit the Supreme Court to nine justices.
- Sep 11 Union contract negotiations were extended another month after the August deadline.
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