Jordan Wood Announces Bid for U.S. Senate Against Susan Collins

BANGOR, Maine — Jordan Wood, a 35-year-old Democrat with ten years of experience in national politics, announced Wednesday his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, aiming to unseat incumbent Susan Collins in the 2026 elections.

Wood, who hails from Lewiston and now resides in Bristol, is the first Democratic candidate to officially enter the race against the five-term Republican senator. His announcement coincides with growing interest from other potential candidates, including Penobscot Nation Chief Kirk Francis and Maine House Speaker Ryan Fecteau.

In a video posted on Instagram, Wood described his campaign as a fight to reclaim the government from the wealthy elite. He criticized Collins for not doing enough to challenge the policies of former President Donald Trump, saying she has “never led on reforms and changing our political system.”

Wood, the son of a pastor and a teacher, emphasized his commitment to public service that he believes is more crucial than ever. His political path includes influential roles such as vice president of End Citizens United, a group advocating for campaign finance reform, and chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, D-California.

The political landscape could shift as other Democrats hint at entering the race. Governor Janet Mills has not ruled out a run, adding to the speculation surrounding the Democratic field. Recent polling indicates that Collins may be vulnerable in her re-election bid, making this race critical for both major parties.

Wood is making bold promises for his campaign, including refusing donations from corporate political action committees and committing to quarterly town halls to engage with voters. He voiced concerns that Collins’s responses to Trump’s administration have not reflected the interests of Mainers, particularly regarding federal funding and proposed spending cuts.

In response to Wood’s announcement, Collins’s campaign spokesperson, Shawn Roderick, acknowledged Wood’s political background but expressed confidence in defending Collins’s record in the upcoming debates. “We look forward to debating our very different visions for Maine if he is the nominee next year,” Roderick said.

Wood plans to maintain a strong connection with his constituents, acknowledging that while not all voters will agree on every issue, they expect their representatives to prioritize their needs and advocate for necessary reforms. “I think we need to have a real opposition majority in Congress that’s going to stand up to what I believe is an authoritarian president who’s stomping on our rights,” he said.