Susan Collins Faces Her First Race Since Roe Was Overturned

For the first time since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, Maine Sen. Susan Collins is on the ballot, and her past votes on the court are following her through the campaign.

Collins, a Republican seeking a sixth term on Nov. 3, faces Democrat Troy Jackson, a former state lawmaker and logger. Much of the attention has centered on her 2018 vote to confirm Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who was approved 50-48 and later joined the 6-3 majority that ended the constitutional right to abortion.

Collins stands by her vote

Collins has said she does not regret supporting Kavanaugh and maintains that he told her in a 2018 meeting that Roe was settled law. She describes herself as a reliably pro-choice senator and notes that she also voted to confirm Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan, both of whom dissented in the abortion ruling.

Some Maine voters say that is not enough. Several told reporters they had backed Collins before but now plan to support Jackson, while others said they remain with her despite their disappointment over the decision.

Money and priorities

Outside groups are pouring money into the race. One Democratic-aligned super PAC has spent about $32 million, a group called Affordable Maine has spent nearly $10 million on ads, and Planned Parenthood's political arm has committed at least $500,000.

Still, recent polling suggests abortion is not the top concern for most Maine voters. Surveys show many are unhappy about the end of Roe but are focused more on the economy, making the race a test of whether Collins' independent brand can survive a difficult national climate for Republicans.

Sources: PBS News