Quick Hit:

Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine has consistently frustrated conservatives with her centrist positions, often siding with Democrats on key votes. From opposing Trump’s Cabinet nominations in his first term to blocking the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, Collins has repeatedly aligned with liberal priorities over those of her own party.

Key Details:

• Collins opposed the confirmation of Betsy DeVos as Trump’s first-term Education Secretary, citing supposed concerns about her qualifications and commitment to public education. While opposing DeVos, Collins voted to confirm every single one of Biden’s Cabinet nominees, including several considered far-left by conservatives.

• In 2021, Collins joined six other Republicans in voting to convict Trump during his second impeachment trial, accusing him of inciting the January 6th Capitol riot. 

• Collins was the only Republican to oppose the confirmation of a Trump federal judge nominee, Matthew Kacsmaryk, citing his conservative views on LGBTQ+ rights. In 2022, Collins also supported the Respect for Marriage Act, codifying same-sex marriage protections into federal law, and has consistently defended federal funding for Planned Parenthood.

Diving Deeper:

Susan Collins’ repeated opposition to core Republican priorities has made her a key obstacle for conservatives in the Senate. Her 2017 vote against repealing the Affordable Care Act is one of her most notorious actions, effectively sinking the GOP’s efforts to dismantle the law. Joining Lisa Murkowski and John McCain, Collins justified her vote by citing concerns over Medicaid and pre-existing conditions, but for many Republicans, this was a betrayal of the party’s platform and the will of voters. The GOP had campaigned on repealing Obamacare for years, and Collins’ decision directly undermined that promise, handing Democrats a significant victory.

Collins has also earned a reputation for defying Republican priorities on personnel decisions. Early in Trump’s presidency, she voted against confirming Betsy DeVos as Education Secretary, aligning with Democrats and citing supposed concerns about DeVos’ qualifications and support for school choice—a cornerstone of conservative education reform. While conservatives saw DeVos as an essential figure for advancing Trump’s agenda, Collins’ opposition set the tone for her role as a frequent opponent of Trump’s picks.

Her actions became even more glaring during Biden’s presidency. While Collins opposed one of Trump’s key nominees, she gave blanket approval to Biden’s Cabinet, voting to confirm all his nominees, including controversial figures like Xavier Becerra as Secretary of Health and Human Services and Deb Haaland as Secretary of the Interior. Becerra, a staunch advocate for progressive healthcare policies, drew sharp criticism from Republicans for his lack of healthcare experience and his support for abortion expansion. Haaland, known for her radical environmental positions, has pushed policies many believe are detrimental to U.S. energy independence. Collins’ support for these nominations showcased her alignment with Biden’s progressive agenda on key policy areas.

In 2021, Collins further alienated conservatives by voting to convict Trump during his second impeachment trial. Claiming that Trump incited the January 6th Capitol riot, Collins joined six other Republicans in accusing him of violating his oath of office. 

Her vote to codify same-sex marriage protections in 2022 further reinforced her alignment with liberal priorities. For conservatives, her record has positioned her as a saboteur within the GOP, blocking progress on critical issues and undermining the agenda of Republican leadership.

As Trump prepares for a potential second term, Collins’ history suggests she will remain a key obstacle to advancing conservative priorities. 

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