Brett Kavanaugh's Influence Looms Over Maine Senate Contest

WHO:

Alternet - Incumbent GOP Senator Susan Collins is running for reelection in Maine.

Alternet - Graham Platner is the Democratic challenger in the general election.

Alternet - Janet Mills, two-term Maine Governor, received 18 percent of the vote in the Democratic primary.

Alternet - Christine Blasey Ford accused Brett Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her in high school.

Alternet - Lyndsey Fifield is a GOP insider who has made allegations against Platner.

WHAT:

Alternet - The general election is officially Collins versus Platner.

Alternet - Kavanaugh's confirmation to the Supreme Court is a significant issue in the Senate race.

Alternet - Collins' vote for Kavanaugh in 2018 is being used against her by Platner's campaign.

Alternet - Kavanaugh was a deciding vote in the 5-4 majority that overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.

Alternet - Collins' margin of victory in the 2020 election was down to 8 percent.

WHERE:

Alternet - The Senate race is taking place in Maine.

WHEN:

Alternet - The general election is set for 2026.

WHY:

Alternet - Democrats in Maine are motivated by Kavanaugh's confirmation and its implications for abortion rights.

Alternet - Collins' vote for Kavanaugh is seen as a pivotal moment that turned many Democrats against her.

HOW:

Alternet - Collins defended Kavanaugh during his confirmation hearings despite allegations of sexual assault.

Alternet - Platner's campaign is leveraging Collins' past vote to sway voters against her.

(UPDATED June 11, 2026 16:26 UTC)

Incumbent GOP Senator Susan Collins is officially running for reelection in Maine, facing Democratic challenger Graham Platner in the upcoming general election. A significant issue in this race is Collins' 2018 vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, which Platner's campaign is using to rally support against her, especially among Democrats motivated by concerns over abortion rights. Meanwhile, two-term Maine Governor Janet Mills garnered 18 percent of the vote in the Democratic primary, as the general election is set for November 8, 2026.