Saulius “Saul” Anuzis is the president of the 60 Plus Association and a Republican Party
politician from the state of Michigan. He was chairman of the Michigan Republican Party
from 2005–2009 and was a candidate for national chairman of the Republican National
Committee in 2009 and 2011.

In an era of heightened polarization and political theatrics, steady, principled leadership has become increasingly rare. Yet Maine has been fortunate to have one of the nation’s most respected, capable and effective public servants in Sen. Susan Collins.

As she seeks reelection in 2026, it’s important for voters across the political spectrum to recognize just how essential her voice is — not just for Maine, but for the entire country.

Few lawmakers today embody the qualities most Americans say they want in their elected
officials: integrity, independence and a willingness to work across the aisle without abandoning their core beliefs. Collins has built her career on exactly that foundation. Whether it’s strengthening national security, protecting seniors, supporting small businesses or standing up for rural communities, she has consistently delivered results where others have delivered rhetoric.

Her record is not defined by sound bites but by substance. Collins has been instrumental in securing economic support for small and mid-sized employers, particularly during times of crisis. She helped craft and pass critical relief packages that kept Main Street businesses alive when the economy was reeling. She has championed infrastructure investments, broadband expansion and energy reliability — all essential for states like Maine where geography and weather pose unique challenges.

Equally important, Collins brings a seriousness to governing that transcends party labels. She has earned respect from Republicans, Democrats and independents because she does something too few politicians attempt anymore: she listens.

She doesn’t treat public service as a partisan sport, but as a responsibility to all the people she represents. Her approach reflects the Maine tradition of thoughtful, honest, practical leadership.

Collins has also proven to be one of the Senate’s most effective advocates for seniors — an increasingly critical role as health care costs rise and older Americans face mounting financial pressures.

Earlier this year, Collins’ bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law, ensuring millions of teachers, firefighters, law enforcement officers and other public servants — including over 25,000 Mainers — would receive their hard-earned Social Security benefits.

Last year, Collins also fought tirelessly to ensure three of her initiatives to advance Alzheimer’s research, prevention and treatment became law. She has worked to safeguard Social Security, strengthen Medicare and increase support for family caregivers. Her bipartisan work on aging policy has made her one of the nation’s most trusted voices on issues affecting older Americans.

On national security and foreign affairs, Collins has been a stabilizing presence. She understands the threats we face — from terrorism to hostile foreign actors — and has consistently supported policies that strengthen America’s military readiness and global leadership.

At a time when geopolitical instability is rising, having experienced, level-headed lawmakers in the Senate is essential. Perhaps most importantly, Susan Collins represents the kind of politics more Americans say they want: compassionate, principled and constructive.

She has rejected the extremes on both sides, choosing instead to focus on solutions that reflect the values of her state and serve the broader national interest. That kind of leadership is difficult, especially in such a divided era, but Collins has never shied away from the hard work of governing.

Maine has always valued independence and common sense, and Collins embodies those qualities. Her reelection is not simply a matter of seniority or party advantage — it is a matter of ensuring that Washington retains voices committed to civility, stability and results. Removing leaders who bridge divides would only deepen the dysfunction and gridlock Americans are tired of seeing.

This is a moment when voters across the spectrum should ask what kind of representation they want in Washington: people who inflame divisions or people who solve problems; people who cater to national pundits or people who put their state’s needs first; people who perform politics or people who practice it.

The answer should be clear. Susan Collins has earned the trust of Maine — and the respect of the nation — because she focuses on what matters most: delivering for the people she serves. Supporting her in 2026 isn’t just a vote for one senator; it’s a vote for a healthier, more functional and more effective form of American leadership.