Last Update: 09/28/2026 at 10:01 AM EST

Collins’s Kavanaugh Vote Fuels Abortion Ads

Coverage from WBAL Baltimore News, ClickOrlando, and others

Collins’s Kavanaugh Vote Fuels Abortion Ads topic image

Democratic-aligned groups are directing substantial advertising and direct mail at Republican Sen.

Susan Collins in her 2026 contest with Democrat Troy Jackson, criticizing her 2018 vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh. Collins says she supports abortion access and stands by that vote, while Jackson promotes his own record and reproductive-rights endorsements. The issue is a prominent campaign message, though the available reporting indicates that economic concerns rank higher for many voters.

History
09/08/20263 new articles

The current version largely confirms the existing story, with slightly greater emphasis on Collins’s Kavanaugh vote and Jackson’s challenge among abortion-rights voters. No material new event, actor, or claim is introduced.

09/07/20265 new articles

The attack has broadened from Collins’s Kavanaugh vote to include her Gorsuch confirmation, while reproductive-rights endorsements further align Jackson’s campaign with the issue.

09/07/20264 new articles

The current version largely confirms the existing campaign narrative, while introducing uncertainty over the direct-mail spending figure, which is now reported as ranging up to $850,000.

09/02/20263 new articles

The main development is Reproductive Freedom for All’s newly stated endorsement of Troy Jackson. Otherwise, the advertising, targets, spending, and abortion-focused framing largely confirm the previous account.

09/01/20266 new articles

The campaign has expanded from Planned Parenthood’s advertising buy into a broader, multimillion-channel coalition effort, adding direct mail and new organizational support. The increased spending and organizing make abortion rights a more prominent and structured challenge to Collins.

08/19/2026Topic Formed

Planned Parenthood Votes is directing $600,000 in advertising against Republican Sen. Susan Collins in Maine, supporting Democratic challenger Troy Jackson and focusing on Collins’ 2018 vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh. The campaign seeks to link Collins to the Supreme Court’s later reversal of Roe v. Wade, despite her stated opposition to the Dobbs decision and support for abortion access through fetal viability. The buy makes abortion policy a prominent line of attack in the contest and marks a significant break between Collins and a former ally.