PORTLAND, Maine — Republican U.S. Senator Susan Collins' 2018 vote to confirm Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh has re-emerged as a central issue in Maine's closely watched Senate race, as Democrats seek to unseat the six-term incumbent in one of their top pickup opportunities of the 2026 midterm elections.
Collins, the only Republican senator seeking reelection in a state won by Democrats in the 2024 presidential election, formally launched her campaign earlier this year. Democratic nominee Graham Platner, who won the party's primary this week, has repeatedly highlighted Collins' support for Kavanaugh as part of his effort to attract voters concerned about abortion rights and the Supreme Court's direction.
The issue has gained renewed attention nearly eight years after Collins cast a pivotal vote in favor of Kavanaugh's confirmation. At the time, Collins said she believed Kavanaugh regarded Roe v. Wade as "settled law," a position she cited in a lengthy Senate floor speech supporting his nomination. The Supreme Court later overturned Roe in 2022 in the Dobbs decision, with Kavanaugh joining the majority.
Democrats have sought to connect that vote to broader concerns about reproductive rights. During his campaign, Platner has argued that Collins cannot be trusted to protect abortion access, citing her support for Kavanaugh and other judicial nominees. The issue featured prominently in campaign messaging before and after Maine's Democratic primary.
Collins has defended her record, pointing to her longstanding support for abortion rights and instances in which she has broken with fellow Republicans on key votes. Her campaign has emphasized her reputation for independence and her efforts to secure federal funding and policy priorities for Maine.
The Senate contest is expected to be among the most competitive races in the country. National Democrats view Maine as a crucial opportunity in their effort to gain seats, while Republicans regard Collins as one of their strongest incumbents despite the state's Democratic lean in recent presidential elections.
The race has also drawn attention because of controversy surrounding Platner, a political newcomer and Marine veteran. Reuters reported that allegations concerning his past conduct became an issue during the Democratic primary campaign, though he maintained support from key progressive figures and secured the nomination.
With the primary now concluded, both campaigns are turning their focus to the November general election. Collins is seeking a sixth term in the Senate, while Democrats are working to keep attention on issues including abortion rights, judicial appointments and the Kavanaugh confirmation vote that continues to resonate with many voters in the state.
