From The Atlantic · · 1m 10s
Susan Collins Didn't Have a Chance
A nationwide rejection of President Trump swept out the moderate Republican.
In brief
A nationwide rejection of President Trump swept out the moderate Republican. Susan Collins lost her bid for a sixth Senate term in Maine as a Democratic wave swept across the country, rejecting President Trump. Originally reported by The Atlantic.
Collins loses Maine Senate seat
Susan Collins lost her bid for a sixth Senate term in Maine on November 4, 2026. Democrats were notching victories up and down the Eastern Seaboard and spreading west.
Republicans expected Collins to win
Republicans gathered in Bangor, Maine believed Collins would defy the odds again. Conservative activist Tom Burpee said shortly after nine p.m., "She's sure to win."
“She's sure to win.”
Collins showed no concern early on
Around nine forty p.m., Collins made a long, beaming pass through the party. As Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" filled the room, she accepted hugs and handshakes.
Maine counted votes slowly
Maine counts its votes at an agonizing pace. As Collins worked the crowd, Republicans still believed she might defy the odds one more time.
A nationwide wave rejected Trump
Democrats notched victories up and down the Eastern Seaboard, with the wave quickly spreading to Kansas, Texas, and points west. This nationwide rejection swept out the moderate Republican.
The takeaway
Susan Collins lost her bid for a sixth Senate term in Maine as a Democratic wave swept across the country, rejecting President Trump.
