Dems look to shatter 'mirage' of 'out of touch' GOP senator seeking re-election

The Democratic Party could rid the Senate of a GOP candidate seeking re-election by highlighting the shortcomings of said candidate.

Some Dem representatives believe they can offer a stronger alternative in the midterms this year as they look to push Senator Susan Collins out of contention. The veteran GOP rep has held the Maine Senate seat since 1997, but the 2026 midterms could see a shift in favor of the Democratic Party.

Lauren French, a Senate Majority PAC spokesperson, believes removing Collins from her seat at the upcoming election relies on highlighting the Maine veteran's closeness to Donald Trump's administration.

"Collins has won because she crafted an ‘independent’ image," French told The Hill. "It was a mirage. Whenever she could have meaningfully stood against Trump, she folded.

"Mainers deserve a senator who’s fighting for them, not someone who’s complacent, cautious, and out of touch."

Collins has tackled the closer ties to Trump by asking would-be voters to focus on her voting record, rather than party ties to the president. She said, "Can I get my constituents, who I’ve worked so hard for, to focus on my record and my accomplishments for them?"

"The Democrats are trying very hard to make this a referendum on Donald Trump." Collins officially launched her bid for re-election yesterday, saying, "This is perfect for 2026, because I’m running."

Trump has already made it clear he fears the results of the midterm elections, airing a worry of impeachment in a statement given last month.

Even with that fear, it appears Trump has not been clear with the GOP or SuperPACs on how best to go about campaigning for the impending election.

The 79-year-old president has amassed a $300 million midterm war chest, but the GOP campaign committee and other entities still don't know how he plans to allocate those funds — while would-be donors wait for his endorsements for Senate primaries in Georgia and Texas, according to the Washington Post.

"People who have spoken with Trump about these obstacles said he at times can sound detached and noncommittal about his plans for spending and endorsements," the Post reported. "One person close to the White House said some days the president seems not to care."