Susan Collins is the best choice to lead Maine in troubled times | Letter
Maine Resident Ivan Most Supports Senator Susan Collins in 2026 Election
Old Orchard Beach, Maine – In a letter to the editor published on March 14, 2026, longtime Old Orchard Beach resident Ivan Most voiced strong support for incumbent U.S. Senator Susan Collins as Maine heads into its most consequential election of the decade. The letter, printed in the Press Herald’s election coverage, underscores the importance of the upcoming Senate race and outlines why Mr. Most believes Collins remains the best choice for the state.
Mr. Most opened by declaring the election season “the most important election of our time,” a phrase he repeats when encouraging voters to cast ballots for the candidate who, in his view, will best represent Maine. He stated that his decision to back Senator Collins is “an easy call” after a long period in which he found it difficult to support any candidate across the political spectrum.
“I will be voting for the best candidate to represent our state regardless of the effect on party membership in the Senate,” Mr. Most wrote. “I am supporting the most qualified candidate; Sen. Susan Collins is the best leader for the country in these dangerous times.”
The letter also highlighted a specific achievement of the incumbent. Mr. Most noted that Senator Collins has “voted 10,000 times without missing a vote, a record for any senator.” He cited this as evidence of her dedication and reliability in Washington.
Drawing on Maine’s political heritage, Mr. Most compared the current Senate race to the state’s tradition of electing effective leaders. He referenced former Senator Margaret Chase Smith, noting that Maine’s voters have historically chosen senators who “mirror the standard of excellence” she exemplified. Mr. Most added that his 56‑year residency in Maine has shown him “outstanding senators” who have served effectively.
“I am pleased to support Sen. Collins as my senator for six more years,” Mr. Most concluded, signaling his intention to back the incumbent through the next term.
The letter arrives as Maine prepares for its 2026 U.S. Senate election. Senator Collins, who has served in Washington since 2005, is the incumbent Republican running for re‑election. Her campaign is already drawing attention from voters across the state, who will decide whether she continues to hold the Senate seat that has been a key focus for Maine politics in recent years.
For residents and voters, the letter represents a snapshot of local sentiment: a call to remember the record and leadership qualities that have shaped Maine’s federal representation. Whether Mr. Most’s endorsement sways the broader electorate remains to be seen, but his voice adds to the chorus of opinions that will shape the outcome of the 2026 Senate race.
