Moderate Sen. Susan Collins confirmed Thursday that she intends to defend her seat and vie for a sixth term in what is widely expected to be a tough cycle for Senate Republicans.

WASHINGTON (WABI) - Sen. Susan Collins may be eyeing a 2026 run. A spokesperson for Collins told our media partner, WMTW, Thursday that, while there is no formal announcement, Collins did say, “I’m focused on the appropriations process, not elections right now, but my intention is to run.” Collins has held her seat in the Senate since 1997.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) plans to run for a sixth term in the Senate, buoying Republicans’ hopes of retaining her seat in 2026. Collins would be one of the most vulnerable incumbents heading into a less favorable Senate map for Republicans next cycle.

Republicans have managed to pick up four Senate seats this election cycle, giving them control of the chamber for the first time since 2020. That said, Democratic incumbent Sen. Bob Casey of Ohio has yet to concede to his GOP challenger, Trump-backed Dave McCormack, even though the Associated Press called the race for the Republican.

Maine’s senior U.S. senator says she’s planning to run for reelection in two years. Sen. Susan Collins reportedly told the Washington Examiner, a conservative news site based out of Washington, D.C., that she intends to seek a sixth term.

Senator Susan Collins says she does not believe the Senate will go on recess while President-Elect Donald Trump’s cabinet picks await confirmation.

While in Vassalboro Friday, Collins said she remains focused on current duties and navigating a second Trump administration.