White House has private discussions about Collins backup in Maine

White House officials have discussed potential candidates who could replace Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) if she elects not to run again in 2026, according to a person familiar with the conversation granted anonymity to speak about political strategy.

Though there is no discussion of pushing a primary on the 72-year old, President Donald Trump would love to see a “better option,” in place of one of his most persistent GOP critics, the person said.

Though she hasn’t formally launched a campaign, the Senate Appropriations chair confirmed Tuesday she is planning to run again and was “pleased” with strong fundraising she reported last week.

Collins’ office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The person declined to say who Trump might like to see run if Collins retires when her fifth term ends.

Collins – chair of the historically powerful Appropriations Committee — is one of a handful of lawmakers Democrats hope to knock out to retake the majority. Flipping Maine, which former Vice President Kamala Harris carried in 2024, would be much easier for Democrats if Collins decided not to run.

Collins, a moderate Republican, has faced an uphill battle in the Senate this month, with GOP leaders pushing through Trump’s megabill while snubbing some of her safety-net cutback concerns. In addition this week, Republicans are pushing through a Trump claw back effort of $9 billion in spending Collins helped approve.