AUGUSTA, MAINE — Nearly 100 billionaires and their spouses have contributed to the network of committees supporting Republican Sen. Susan Collins’ 2026 reelection campaign, underscoring the national importance of a race that could help determine control of the U.S. Senate.
According to an analysis by The Maine Monitor of Federal Election Commission records, at least 79 billionaires donated to committees supporting Collins between January 2025 and May 2026. Including spouses of billionaires raises the total to 97 donors. Together, they contributed approximately $9.8 million, accounting for about one-third of all funds raised by the Collins fundraising network during that period.
Much of the billionaire money flowed through Pine Tree Results PAC, a super PAC dedicated to electing Collins. Unlike traditional campaign committees, super PACs can accept unlimited contributions from individuals and organizations. The group has already reserved roughly $24 million in advertising ahead of the November election.
Among the largest donors were Citadel founder Ken Griffin, who contributed $2.5 million, and Blackstone CEO Stephen Schwarzman, who donated $2 million. Other billionaire supporters include Palantir co-founder Alex Karp, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, and philanthropist Melinda French Gates.
Collins’ Democratic opponent, Graham Platner, has taken a different fundraising approach. According to the report, Platner received approximately $24,000 from five billionaires while raising much of his campaign money from smaller donations. His campaign reported an average donation of about $26 and said roughly 60% of its contributions came from small-dollar donors.
Political analysts say the fundraising reflects broader national trends, with wealthy donors increasingly playing a larger role in federal elections. The race is expected to attract tens of millions of dollars from both parties as Republicans seek to maintain Senate control and Democrats attempt to reclaim the chamber.
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