Planned Parenthood Backs Democratic Challenger in Maine Senate Race

Senator Susan Collins, a Republican, is under scrutiny from Planned Parenthood following her vote to confirm Justice Brett Kavanaugh, a pivotal figure in the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

Planned Parenthood Action Fund, the largest abortion rights organization in the U.S., officially endorsed Democrat Graham Platner for the Senate seat in Maine. This move marks a shift away from Senator Collins, one of the only two Republican senators supporting abortion rights.

In May 2025, a Maine branch of Planned Parenthood had commended Ms. Collins for her persistent backing of the organization and her opposition to congressional Republican attempts to cut its federal funding. However, Alexis McGill Johnson, the national organization’s president, stated in a Portland event that Ms. Collins failed to make the “hard decisions” needed to advocate for abortion rights. She criticized Ms. Collins as a “fair-weather feminist,” conveniently supporting reproductive rights when it suits her.

The election creates challenges for Democrats in the state. Some express worry over reports regarding Mr. Platner’s behavior toward women, yet remain upset with Ms. Collins for voting to confirm Justice Kavanaugh in 2018. Kavanaugh was among the justices who later voted to overturn Roe v. Wade, ending nearly 50 years of guaranteed constitutional abortion rights.

Angela Kuefler, a Democratic strategist with expertise in polling on abortion rights, suggests that the Platner campaign aims to weaken Ms. Collins’s moderate image. This strategy seeks to increase support among female voters, a significant portion of Maine’s electorate.