Susan Collins says Trump is ‘not coming to Maine’ as Senate race heats up: ‘I’m not his favorite’
WASHINGTON, DC: Senator Susan Collins didn’t hide her feelings about President Donald Trump during her first debate of the 2026 race.
When asked if she’d welcome Trump on the campaign trail in Maine, she sidestepped the question twice.
She pointed out that she hadn’t heard from his team at all and quipped, “I’m not exactly his favorite senator.” Her message was clear: she isn’t eager for a Trump visit.
Susan Collins distances herself from Trump
On Monday, October 5, Trump said he planned to visit Maine during his push for the midterms, but nothing definite about the trip came out.
Donald Trump said he might come to Maine to campaign for Susan Collins. She’s asked if she’ll join him. She says, “I don’t think that President Trump is going to come to Maine.” And Troy Jackson couldn’t help but laugh. https://t.co/r6qCnan1z0
— Evan (@daviddunn177) October 7, 2026
His comments put the spotlight back on the tight Senate race between Collins and Democratic challenger Troy Jackson. Trump’s record quickly became one of the main issues up for debate.
During her first debate of the cycle against Democratic challenger Jackson, Collins (R-Maine) twice dodged a question about whether she would campaign with Trump if he were to visit the Pine Tree State.
“I don’t think that President Trump is going to come to Maine,” she replied when asked. “He’s talking about going to a lot of different states. I’ve heard nothing from his office. And I’m not exactly his favorite senator.”
Pressed again, she replied, “I would say that he is not coming to Maine.” “I think we’re going to Maine too. I’m going to Michigan in a week and a half,” Trump said.
Trump lost Maine to Kamala Harris by around seven points in 2024.
The state has leaned Democratic in every presidential race since 2000. Still, Collins has managed to hold on to her Senate seat as a Republican.
Susan Collins and Troy Jackson clash over Trump policies
Trump loomed large over Collins’ debate against Jackson, who tried to tie her to some of the president’s policies, including the war in Iran, the trade war with Canada and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
COLLINS CONFRONTED OVER KAVANAUGH Troy Jackson to Susan Collins: What will it take for you to admit you were wrong? Eight years after her decisive vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh. #Europost https://t.co/3GCNB09aRf
— EuroPost Agency (@EuroPostAgency) October 7, 2026
Collins repeatedly distanced herself from Trump, highlighting how she opposed him on all three issues.
She highlighted a study that found she “voted against my party more than any other senator on either side of the aisle.”
“What about everything else? We can’t eat road salt,” Jackson fired back.
SUSAN COLLINS: I was successful in getting road salt removed from the Canada tariff list TROY JACKSON: What about everything else? We can't eat road salt https://t.co/luyWC1KnKj
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 7, 2026
The candidates also clashed over Collins’ 2018 vote to confirm Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
