Uneasy about Susan Collins’ backers | Letter
Letter to Editor Highlights Funding Concerns for Senator Collins’ Re‑Election Bid
Kennebunk, Maine – A letter published in the Press Herald on March 26, 2026 has drawn attention to the financial ties between Sen. Susan Collins’ 2026 re‑election campaign and the Apollo Global Management chief executive, Marc Rowan. The writer, Timothy Stevens, questions whether those links serve the interests of Maine’s working class.
Who and What
Timothy Stevens, a resident of Kennebunk, addressed the letter to the editor of the Press Herald. He cites a contribution of at least $50,000 that came to Senator Collins’ campaign through supporting political action committees linked to Marc Rowan, the CEO of Apollo Global Management. The letter raises concerns that such money may influence the senator’s decisions on matters that directly affect Maine’s economy.
Why It Matters
Stevens points out that Apollo Global Management has a history of buying and selling paper‑mill assets in Bucksport and Jay, Maine. The company’s transactions resulted in the loss of more than 1,000 jobs across the state, a blow that has impacted families and communities for years. In addition, a current proposal by Apollo to build an AI data center on one of the former mill sites promises only temporary construction jobs and a negligible number of permanent positions.
“Given this track record, I question whether representation tied to these interests truly serves Maine’s working class,” Stevens wrote. The letter suggests that the senator’s policy positions may be influenced by corporate interests that have had a net negative impact on local employment.
Endorsement Shift
In a clear statement of political preference, Stevens added: “That’s why Troy Jackson has my vote for U.S. Senate this November.” The letter therefore functions both as a critique of Senator Collins’ campaign financing and as a public endorsement of her rival, former Maine Senate Majority Leader Troy Jackson.
Context on Apollo Global
Apollo Global Management, a private‑equity firm founded in 1990, has a portfolio that includes industrial and manufacturing assets worldwide. Its purchase and subsequent sale of the Bucksport and Jay paper mills—a key employer in those communities—were described as “picking up the pieces after a paper mill closes.” The company’s strategy often involves restructuring facilities, which can lead to layoffs or shifts in workforce requirements.
Senate Race Implications
The Maine Senate race has attracted national attention, with both candidates seeking to secure the state’s senior seat in Washington. Campaign finance disclosures released in January revealed that Senator Collins had received significant contributions from business leaders, including those associated with Apollo Global Management. Critics argue that such funding may pressure the senator to favor corporate-friendly policies at the expense of working‑class concerns.
Stevens’ letter adds a local voice to this broader debate, emphasizing the human cost of corporate decisions in Maine’s small towns. His call for transparency and accountability echoes concerns expressed by other community leaders and advocacy groups.
Final Thoughts
While the letter remains an individual opinion piece, it underscores a persistent issue in Maine politics: the intersection of corporate funding and elected officials’ responsibilities to their constituents. Whether Senator Collins will adjust her campaign strategy in light of these criticisms remains to be seen. In the meantime, the Press Herald has published Stevens’ letter, giving the public a chance to weigh the arguments presented.
For further coverage of Maine’s 2026 election, readers can follow the Press Herald’s “Maine Political Report” newsletter or the “Election 2026” tag on the website.
