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It was expected that Collins would run for reelection, but as one of two Republican senators up for reelection who represent states that Hillary Clinton won in the 2016 presidential election — Sen. Cory Gardner of Colorado is the other — she is uniquely vulnerable.
The Maine Republican is known as a moderate within the Senate Republican conference and is frequently in the spotlight as a potential key vote on high-profile issues.
In a letter to supporters, Collins said that her “fundamental question” in considering reelection was “in today’s polarized political environment, is there still a role for a centrist who believes in getting things done through compromise, collegiality, and bipartisanship?”
“I have concluded that the answer to this question is ‘yes,’ and I will, therefore, seek the honor of continuing to serve as Maine’s United States Senator,” Collins said.
The Maine senator already faces potential Democratic challengers, including Sara Gideon, the Democratic state House speaker.
Democrats need a net gain of four seats to take back the Senate in 2020, or three if they win the White House. The national party has targeted Maine as a battleground state, as well as states like Arizona and Colorado.
CNN’s Katie Lobosco contributed to this report.
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