Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) is mulling a run in 2018 to be governor of Maine, The Portland Press Herald first reported Tuesday.
Collins told hosts on WGAN radio that she is “looking into” what position would best serve the people of Maine.
“Let me say that I am looking at where I can do the most good for the people of Maine,” Collins said “In the Senate I now have significant seniority and that allows me to do a lot.”
She said that if she became governor, she could help “bring people back together.” This hypothetical marks the first time Collins has spoken seriously about considering the position.
“Coming to be governor, if I were fortunate enough to be elected, you can work on issues I care a lot of about like economic development, jobs, education. And I would try to heal the state and bring people back together, which I think is important as well,” she said, according to the Herald.
“So, I’m trying to figure out where I can do the most good. I’m being totally honest with you; I truly don’t know. I really don’t, it’s a hard decision,” Collins continued.
If she were to run and be elected, Collins would become the first female governor of Maine. She would also be giving up her Senate seat two years early–a position that current Maine Gov. Paul LePage (R-ME) would need to fill. Collins previously ran for governor in 1994, but was defeated.
