Republican Senator Susan Collins from Maine has declared she will not vote for former President Donald Trump in the upcoming 2024 US Presidential Elections. Instead, Collins revealed her intention to write in former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley’s name on the ballot in November. Collins, a vocal critic of Trump, has consistently opposed his candidacy, abstaining from voting for him in both the 2016 and 2020 elections.
During a Friday event in Limerick, Maine, Collins affirmed her support for Haley, stating, “I publicly endorsed Nikki Haley, and I wanted her to win. She’s still my favourite candidate, and I think she could do a great job. She’s my choice, and that’s how I’m going to express it.” This isn’t a new declaration, as Collins previously mentioned her support for Haley during a June television appearance.
Collins’ decision not to vote for Trump stems from her concerns about his divisive style. She acknowledged supporting some of Trump’s policies, but expressed her belief that his approach “is divisive at a time when our country is already so polarized”. This sentiment aligns with her previous stance, as she was one of seven Republicans who voted to convict Trump during his impeachment trial for inciting the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol.
Collins, a moderate conservative, has held her Senate seat since 1996, making her the longest-serving Republican woman in the Senate. Notably, she is not on the ballot in 2024, having successfully defended her seat against Democratic challenger Sara Gideon in 2020.
Collins’ announcement underscores the growing discontent within the Republican Party regarding Trump’s candidacy. While some Republicans are actively supporting him, others are expressing reservations or even openly opposing him, indicating a potential for significant division within the party in the lead-up to the 2024 election.
