GOP Moderate Susan Collins Facing Difficult Primary Challenge

Senator Susan Collins of Maine, often characterized as a Republican “moderate” who frequently opposes President Donald Trump and the more conservative faction of her party, is confronting what may be her most challenging reelection campaign as she seeks a sixth term.

As reported by a local news outlet, Collins will contend with at least three primary challengers: Carmen Calabrese from Kennebunkport and Daniel Smeriglio from Frenchville, both of whom are running as Republicans, and Phillip Rench from Waterboro, who is a board member of the Maine Space Corporation and the owner of Ossipee Hill Farm and Observatory, running as an Independent.

Additional candidates may still surface. With Democrats aiming to gain ground in the House and Senate next year, her seat is one that the opposing party will focus on, according to the Maine Morning Star, which also noted:

So far, two Democrats are competing for Maine’s U.S. Senate seat.

Jordan Wood from Bristol, who hails from Lewiston, has spent nearly ten years in political roles in Washington, D.C., including serving as chief of staff to former Democratic U.S. Representative Katie Porter of California.

Natasha Alcala from Madawaska, a fashion designer who relocated to Maine from California just over four years ago, holds degrees in international relations and criminal justice and is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Alcala had previously filed to challenge U.S. Senator Angus King in 2024 but withdrew prior to the primary.

Although King aligns with Democrats in the Senate, he is officially recognized as an Independent.

During the last election cycle, Collins campaigned to the people of Maine by emphasizing her capability to secure federal funding for the state through her anticipated ascension to chair one of the Senate’s most powerful committees—a role she currently occupies and referenced when justifying her belief that she remains the optimal choice to represent Maine, as reported by the outlet.

“By advancing in my career over the past three years, I have been able to secure over a billion dollars for numerous projects in communities throughout our state,” Collins stated. “That w

Collins highlighted the earmarks she obtained for investments throughout all 16 counties in Maine, along with legislation that has wider implications for the residents of Maine. Importantly, she co-authored the Social Security Fairness Act, which was enacted earlier this year under former President Joe Biden, restoring full benefits for millions of public sector employees.

Calabrese, for his part, recognized that Collins’ position as a leading appropriator in the upper chamber represents a position of power. “You cannot dispute that. However, I also view it as a matter of gratitude for your efforts, but you are utilizing my funds. These are my tax dollars,” he expressed to the Maine outlet, further noting that the tax dollars being utilized would be more effective if she aligned more frequently with Trump.

“If you find yourself in agreement with some of his positions, perhaps you will achieve better results,” he remarked.

On the other hand, Rench does not perceive Collins’ appropriative role as beneficial.

“What we need to focus on as a state is reducing our reliance on federal funding,” he stated to the Maine Morning Star.

Rench articulated his intention to fortify Maine’s economic base for families by addressing what he refers to as the state’s “brain drain.” He aims to reform the educational system to provide both college and vocational training options. Having departed Maine after college to work in the space industry before returning, Rench expressed his understanding of why young individuals leave and his desire to reverse that trend.

Additionally, he suggests revitalizing essential industries by creating a federal reserve of dimensional lumber, enhancing Maine’s food production and processing capabilities to serve the nation, and transforming Maine into a frontrunner in the space industry.