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Former SpaceX Engineer Challenges Longtime Senator in 2026

2/15/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Phillip Rench, a former SpaceX engineer, is gearing up to challenge long-serving Republican Sen. Susan Collins in the 2026 election as an independent candidate. While Collins, who has held her seat since 1997, hasn't formally declared her candidacy for a sixth term, Rench faces the task of collecting 4,000 signatures to secure his spot on the ballot.

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Story summary

Phillip Rench, a former SpaceX engineer, is gearing up to challenge long-serving Republican Sen. Susan Collins in the 2026 election as an independent candidate. While Collins, who has held her seat since 1997, hasn't formally declared her candidacy for a sixth term, Rench faces the task of collecting 4,000 signatures to secure his spot on the ballot.