Full Breakdown
Susan Collins Stands by 2018 Kavanaugh Vote as 2026 Senate Race Heats Up
8/2/2026, 6:52:37 AM
Core Event
Senator Susan Collins of Maine, a Republican who has long been identified as one of only two GOP senators supporting abortion rights, is facing her first re-election campaign since the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn *Roe v. Wade*. The campaign’s focal point is her October 2018 vote to confirm Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh, a vote that helped secure a conservative majority on the Court. After Kavanaugh’s later vote to overturn *Roe*, Collins has become a target for abortion-rights activists and groups advocating for victims of sexual violence, both of whom had previously backed her campaigns.
Background & Context
Collins’ 2018 confirmation vote was pivotal; she was one of only two Senate Republicans to support the nominee. Four years later, Kavanaugh joined the conservative bloc that voted to end the nearly 50-year constitutional protection of abortion established by *Roe v. Wade*. The decision reshaped national politics and placed moderate Republicans like Collins under intense scrutiny, especially in states where public opinion favors abortion access.
Data & Statistics
- Collins has cast more than 10,000 votes during her Senate tenure.
- She and Senator Lisa Murkowski are the sole Republican senators who publicly endorse abortion rights.
Official Statements & Responses
Collins has publicly maintained that she does not regret her 2018 confirmation vote. In a June interview in Portland, she affirmed that she would vote for Kavanaugh again if given the chance. At a recent event at a fire station in Randolph, Maine, she reiterated this stance, emphasizing her belief that the vote was consistent with her legislative judgment.
Why It Matters
The 2026 race in Maine could influence the balance of power in the U.S. Senate, as control hinges on a handful of competitive seats. Collins’ unapologetic defense of the Kavanaugh vote tests the durability of her moderate Republican brand and may determine whether voters prioritize her overall record or focus on this single, high-profile decision. The outcome will signal how far a centrist Republican can navigate a political landscape increasingly polarized over abortion policy.
