Collins Targets Platner's Past as She Seeks Sixth Senate Term in Maine

HARRISON, Maine — Republican Sen. Susan Collins faces Democrats' top target status as she campaigns for a sixth six-year term in the U.S. Senate from left-leaning Maine.

"I have been the number one target of Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, not only in this campaign, but the last two campaigns as well. I'm always his number one target," Collins told Fox News Digital in an exclusive national interview this week.

The dynamic persists in this competitive, high-profile 2026 race, one of a few nationwide that will likely decide if Republicans hold their slim Senate majority.

Collins will likely face military veteran and oyster farmer Graham Platner, the all-but-certain Democratic nominee. Two-term Gov. Janet Mills, backed by Schumer and the Democratic Party establishment, dropped out last week after trailing Platner in fundraising and polling.

Platner draws support from Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts. The first-time candidate pushes an economically populist agenda, targeting corporate influences and championing the working class.

Asked if Platner veers too far left for northern New England voters, Collins replied, "I believe that will be the conclusion of Maine voters. But obviously I don't take anything for granted."

A Republican group backing Collins has launched an ad attacking Platner over Reddit comments from over a decade ago about women and rape, plus a chest tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol.

One 2013 comment, later deleted by Platner, said people worried about rape should not "get so f---ed up they wind up having sex with someone they don’t mean to."

Platner apologized for the posts after they surfaced last fall, shortly after his Senate campaign launch. He got the skull and crossbones tattoo in 2007 while drinking with fellow Marines in Croatia and covered it last year upon learning of its resemblance to a Nazi symbol.

On whether she will highlight Platner's baggage, Collins said, "Obviously I'm going to be contrasting my record of achievement and accomplishments with Graham Platner's approach, which is based in."

She paused, then added, "I don't want to preview too much of our strategy."

Collins expressed hope for a civil campaign focused on issues and accomplishments.

Platner, positioning himself as an outsider, calls Collins part of a "broken Washington" and a failed generation of politicians. He labels her moderate image a "charade," notes her support for some President Donald Trump policies, and accuses her of favoring billionaires and corporations over people.

Republicans, holding power in Washington, confront traditional midterm headwinds for the party in control, worsened by persistent inflation, rising gas prices linked to an unpopular war with Iran, and Trump's low approval ratings.

To counter blame on high living costs, Collins pointed to her work on the low income heating assistance program, which helps low-income families and seniors stay warm in winter. She recently ensured release of the final funding tranche amid high costs in Maine.

She also opposed cuts to food stamp benefits and similar programs for low-income families.

Collins spoke at a food bank expanded with federal funding she helped secure.

"It is so satisfying to be here today and to know that I played a very small role, but an essential role, in allowing this food bank to expand its community room, its kitchen, and to help it be even more successful," she said. "This food bank is extraordinary. It serves more than 1,000 families every week."

Democrats' narrow Senate comeback path runs through Maine, where Collins expects heavy attack ads.

She noted Schumer and affiliates spent over $160 million on negative ads misrepresenting her record last time. "He's already doing that now," she said, adding that Maine voters recognize lies and distortions.