Susan Collins wins GOP nomination for sixth Senate term in Maine

Republican Sen. Susan Collins secured her party's nomination Tuesday for a sixth term in the U.S. Senate after running unopposed in Maine's GOP primary.

The 73-year-old senator is a top Democratic target in this year's midterms as the party seeks to regain the Senate majority.

"I have been the No. 1 target of Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, not only in this campaign, but the last two campaigns as well," Collins said in a recent Fox News Digital interview.

Democrats had backed two-term Gov. Janet Mills for the nomination, but Mills dropped out earlier this spring after trailing military veteran and oyster farmer Graham Platner in fundraising and polling. Platner is now the all-but-certain Democratic nominee.

Platner has faced multiple controversies, including inflammatory Reddit comments, a tattoo that resembled a Nazi symbol, and recent allegations from ex-girlfriends about rape fantasies, heavy drinking and violent episodes. He has acknowledged struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder after four tours in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"I take responsibility for all of that, and wish I had been better," Platner said. "Any characterization beyond that is false, and I believe, politically motivated."

Platner is backed by Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, and Rep. Ro Khanna of California. He is running on an economically populist platform that targets corporate influence.

Collins said she expects voters to reject Platner's positions as too far left. She said she will contrast her record with his approach, and an outside group aligned with her campaign has already run ads highlighting his controversies.

Republicans face headwinds in the midterms, including inflation, rising gas prices and President Donald Trump's low approval ratings. Collins said she has worked to protect low-income heating assistance and food stamp benefits in Maine.

Recent polls show a competitive race. Collins defeated Democratic challenger Sara Gideon by nearly nine points in 2020 after trailing in the polls.