A Republican super PAC is spending big to defend Susan Collins in her bid for a sixth term in the U.S. Senate.
The Senate Leadership fund on Tuesday morning announced an initial $42 million investment in support of the Republican senator, its largest investment in Maine.
But that money won’t be deployed until early August, and nearly $37 million of that will go toward broadcast, cable, digital and radio advertising statewide.
“Senator Susan Collins’ incredible legislative accomplishments, unrelenting work ethic, and history of winning tough races against Washington Democrats is unmatched. Collins is a singular figure — a fearless fighter for the people of Maine who always shows up when it matters most, whether in the Senate or on the campaign trail. Senator Collins’ record of effective service ensures that Maine has a voice in Washington, and Senate Leadership Fund is proud to support her re-election this fall,” the PAC’s executive director, Alex Latcham, said in a statement.
The Senate Leadership fund is dedicated to defending Republican majorities in Congress and is spending heavily to defend 22 Republican seats and to attack 13 Democratic seats in the current election cycle.
Gov. Janet Mills and Sullivan oyster farmer Graham Platner are facing off for the Democratic nomination to take on Collins this November.
Collins has handily beaten back challengers, including in 2020 when she defied polls and expectations to secure a fifth term in the Senate. But Collins, once ranked the country’s most bipartisan senator, has seen her popularity slump since Trump’s first term in the White House.