Story perspectives

Collins Marks 10,000 Votes, Trump Praises; Race Tight

6/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Collins logged her 10,000th Senate vote, prompting President Donald Trump to call her a “sane person.”
She cited $1.5 billion for fire stations, billions for health care, and a fire boat for Portland businesses.
Collins said she voted for Justices Sotomayor, Kagan and Jackson and is not in lockstep with President Trump.
Despite Graham Platner’s scandal-laden campaign, the race stays tight as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer targets Collins for defeat.

History

Historical Context

After Democrats had held both chambers for four decades, the 1994 Republican Revolution—spurred by Newt Gingrich’s Contract with America—won Republicans 54 House seats and eight Senate seats on November 8, 1994, reclaiming control first seen since 1952. That wave showed how tight margins and star endorsements shape races, a dynamic echoed today as Donald Trump backs Susan Collins while Chuck Schumer eyes her seat.

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Story summary

Collins logged her 10,000th Senate vote, prompting President Donald Trump to call her a “sane person.”
She cited $1.5 billion for fire stations, billions for health care, and a fire boat for Portland businesses.
Collins said she voted for Justices Sotomayor, Kagan and Jackson and is not in lockstep with President Trump.
Despite Graham Platner’s scandal-laden campaign, the race stays tight as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer targets Collins for defeat.

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