Senator Susan Collins of Maine, a prominent moderate Republican, has announced that she will not be voting for Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential election. Collins, who did not support Trump in 2016 or 2020, revealed that she plans to write in the name of former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley on the ballot in November. This decision mirrors her action in 2016 when she wrote in then-House Speaker Paul Ryan's name instead of voting for Trump.
Collins, the sole New England Republican in Congress and the only Republican holding statewide office in Maine, reiterated her endorsement of Haley despite Haley not being on the ballot. She expressed her confidence in Haley's capabilities and stated that Haley remains her preferred candidate.
Speaking at an event in Limerick, Maine, Collins emphasized her support for Haley while also mentioning her reservations about both the Democratic nominee and President Trump. Collins acknowledged her approval of some of Trump's policies but criticized his divisive style, particularly in a time of heightened polarization in the country.
Notably, Collins was among seven Republicans who voted to convict Trump during his impeachment trial for inciting an insurrection following the breach of the U.S. Capitol by his supporters. Elected to the Senate in 1996, Collins holds the distinction of being the longest-serving Republican woman in the Senate and is known for her consistent voting record.
In the 2020 election, Collins secured a victory over Democratic challenger Sara Gideon by a larger margin than anticipated. Maine, a state where Trump has twice lost the popular vote but gained an electoral vote due to its unique apportionment system, has a significant rural population that strongly supports the former president.
