Kavanaugh Confirmation Vote Resurfaces as Central Issue in Maine Senate Race

Executive Briefing

• Drives Democratic strategy: Collins' 2018 Kavanaugh vote is Democrats' second-strongest attack issue, behind healthcare cuts, per Senate Majority PAC polling.
• Challenger capitalizes: Democrat Graham Platner calls Collins a liar for backing Kavanaugh after she suggested he would uphold Roe v. Wade.
• PAC targets Collins: Senate Majority PAC is 'highly likely' to run abortion-focused ads in Maine, the only 2026 battleground where such ads are planned.
• Collins defends record: She maintains she cast the right vote but has expressed disappointment in Kavanaugh's 2022 ruling overturning Roe.
• Complicates race: Platner faces his own misconduct allegations from a woman who notably advocated for Kavanaugh's confirmation in 2018.