Summary
Republican Senator Susan Collins faces a challenging reelection race in Maine. A recent poll shows her trailing a generic Democratic candidate, but her support could improve if she votes to extend certain health care tax credits. Collins has expressed support for extending these credits, which help lower-income people get health insurance.
Key Facts
- Senator Susan Collins is the only Republican senator running for reelection in a state won by Kamala Harris last November.
- A recent poll shows 41% would vote for Collins, while 49% prefer a Democratic candidate.
- The poll suggests Collins could gain more support if she votes to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits.
- These tax credits, first established under President Obama, help low-income Americans access health insurance.
- The credits were expanded in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic to cover more people.
- The credits will expire at the end of the year unless Congress extends them.
- Collins has indicated she plans to run for reelection but has not formally announced her campaign.
- Polling indicates a tight race with Democratic candidates Janet Mills and Graham Platner.
