Was Susan Collins's 2018 vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh justified after Dobbs?
Collins says she does not regret voting to confirm Kavanaugh, despite opposing his Dobbs vote. Her critics argue that her confirmation judgment helped enable the ruling.
Case period:
Published by The Dispute Index editorial teamPublished Updated
Overview
This case classifies responses to Collins's decision to vote for Kavanaugh's confirmation. In her October 5, 2018 floor speech (opens in a new tab), she explained how his comments on precedent informed her decision. After the Supreme Court's June 2022 Dobbs judgment (opens in a new tab), which Kavanaugh joined, she called it inconsistent with what he and Gorsuch had said (opens in a new tab) about established precedent.
In a June 12, 2026 interview (opens in a new tab), Collins said she did not regret confirming Kavanaugh but disagreed with his Dobbs vote; Ben Chin of the Graham Platner campaign criticized the confirmation as consequential for abortion rights. The Press Herald article says Collins was referring to Justices Sotomayor, Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson as Dobbs dissenters, but the Court's opinion (opens in a new tab) lists Justices Breyer, Sotomayor and Kagan as the dissenters. Collins's 2022 statement on Dobbs also describes legislation she introduced with Sen. Murkowski, and a bipartisan bill she was working on with Sen. Tim Kaine, to codify abortion protections.
People in this case
Susan CollinsDirectly involved
Brett KavanaughDirectly involved
Troy JacksonCommented
Mini TimmarajuCommented
Timeline
11 timeline entries on this page. Dates: October 5, 2018 to October 22, 2026
October 2018
Collins announces support for Kavanaugh confirmation
Claim
Collins set out her rationale for supporting Kavanaugh, including her assessment of his statements about long-standing precedent.
[01]Susan Collins announces vote to confirm Judge Kavanaugh
Collins explains why Kavanaugh's statements about precedent, Roe, and Casey informed her confirmation vote.
Susan Collins announces vote to confirm Judge Kavanaughfloor speech paragraphs beginning 'There has also been considerable focus' through Roe and precedent discussionSenate confirms Kavanaugh, 50-48
The Senate confirms Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. Collins votes yea; the tally also includes one present vote and one senator not voting.
[02]Senate roll call 223: Brett Kavanaugh confirmation
The official Senate roll call records the confirmation vote and each senator's vote.
Senate roll call 223: Brett Kavanaugh confirmationVote summary and Collins entryKavanaugh takes both oaths of office
Roberts administers the constitutional oath and Kennedy administers the judicial oath in a private Supreme Court ceremony.
[03]Supreme Court record of Brett Kavanaugh's oath ceremony
The Supreme Court records that Kavanaugh took both oaths of office on October 6, 2018.
Supreme Court record of Brett Kavanaugh's oath ceremonyOpening paragraph recording the completed October 6 ceremony
May 2022
Collins says the leaked Dobbs draft would conflict with earlier statements
Collins says that, if the draft becomes final and the reporting is accurate, it would be inconsistent with what Kavanaugh and Gorsuch said. She says their final reasoning is not yet known.
[04]Susan Collins statement on the leaked Dobbs draft
Collins conditionally contrasts the leaked draft with the justices' earlier statements and says the final opinion remains unknown.
Susan Collins statement on the leaked Dobbs draftFull statementCollins opposes the Women's Health Protection Act and backs an alternative
Before the Senate vote, Collins says she supports codifying Roe and Casey but objects to the proposed bill's scope. She plans to keep working on alternative legislation.
[05]Susan Collins statement on the Women's Health Protection Act
Collins opposes the proposed bill while arguing for her alternative legislation on abortion rights.
Susan Collins statement on the Women's Health Protection ActFull statement before the Senate vote
June 2022
Supreme Court issues Dobbs decision
Source release
Kavanaugh joined the majority that overturned Roe and Casey. Collins said the result was inconsistent with what he and Gorsuch had told her about precedent.
[06]Supreme Court docket and judgment in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization
Court docket establishes that Kavanaugh joined the majority overruling Roe and Casey; Breyer, Sotomayor, and Kagan dissented. It does not establish what Kavanaugh privately promised Collins.
Supreme Court docket and judgment in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health OrganizationJune 24, 2022 judgment entry identifying joining and dissenting justices[07]Susan Collins statement on Supreme Court Dobbs decision
Collins says the Dobbs result conflicts with what the two justices said to her about long-standing precedent and describes legislative efforts to codify protections.
Susan Collins statement on Supreme Court Dobbs decisionparagraphs describing the abandoned precedent and Gorsuch/Kavanaugh meetings
June 2026
Collins rejects Platner's accusation about her Kavanaugh vote
Reaction
Asked about Platner's accusation that she misled Maine voters about protecting abortion rights through her Kavanaugh vote, Collins said it was not true. She added that Maine voters knew her well. The brief exchange did not give a new account of why Kavanaugh joined the Dobbs majority.
[08]Collins responds to Platner's accusation about abortion rights and Kavanaugh
Nineteen-second recording published June 10, 2026. The description identifies Platner and Kavanaugh where automated captions misrender their names.
Collins responds to Platner's accusation about abortion rights and Kavanaugh00:01-00:09 reporter's question; 00:10-00:19 Collins's answer.Collins campaign says she misspoke about the Dobbs vote
Correction
After Collins told Fox News that Roe would have been overturned with or without Kavanaugh, citing a 6-3 vote, her spokesperson Blake Kernen told the Bangor Daily News that the senator misspoke. The vote to overturn Roe was 5-4. Kernen said any other Trump appointee would likely have voted the same way.
[09]Susan Collins misstates Dobbs vote while defending her Kavanaugh confirmation
Source excerpt
“Whether Justice Kavanaugh were confirmed or not, Roe v. Wade would have been overturned, given the 6-3 vote,” Collins said. … Collins spokesperson Blake Kernen acknowledged that the senator misspoke
Bangor Daily News report on Collins's June 22, 2026 Fox News interview, in which she said Roe would have been overturned with or without Kavanaugh. The report notes that the Dobbs vote to overturn Roe was 5-4 and quotes her campaign's response.
Susan Collins misstates Dobbs vote while defending her Kavanaugh confirmationParagraphs beginning "Pressed on whether her Kavanaugh vote" and "Collins spokesperson Blake Kernen acknowledged"
September 2026
Collins revisits her Kavanaugh confirmation vote in CNN interview
Reaction
In an interview aired on CNN, Collins said Kavanaugh was qualified to serve on the Supreme Court when asked whether seating him had been a mistake. She also said she did not like his Dobbs decision. The answer revisited her June 2026 position that she did not regret the confirmation vote.
[10]CNN
Source excerpt
I believe that Kavanaugh was qualified to be on the Supreme Court.
CNN’s transcript preserves Collins’s on-the-trail interview response. She said Kavanaugh was qualified while saying she did not like his Dobbs decision. The exchange documents her current characterization of her confirmation vote; it does not establish any private assurance by Kavanaugh.
CNN Newsroom transcript: Susan Collins discusses her Kavanaugh vote · CNNAired September 20, 2026, 4-5 p.m. ET; about 16:20:01 ET, Collins answers Manu Raju's question about her vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh.
October 2026
Jackson challenges Collins's Kavanaugh vote at their debate
Reaction
At their October 6 debate, Jackson criticized Collins's confirmation of Kavanaugh and questioned trusting her with the next Supreme Court appointment. AP reported the exchange that evening.
[11]Associated Press
AP reports the October 6 debate. Jackson criticized Collins's Kavanaugh confirmation vote. The article quotes Jackson directly; it does not provide a new direct Collins quotation about Kavanaugh.
Collins and Jackson debate in Maine's Senate race · Associated PressOpening Kavanaugh-confirmation discussion; Jackson question about the next Supreme Court justice.PBS reports on Collins's renewed defense of her Kavanaugh vote
PBS News Hour publishes Lisa Desjardins's Maine election report. The segment says Collins defends the vote on qualifications and consistency with her votes for liberal justices.
[12]PBS News Hour: What Maine voters are saying about the tight Senate race
Lisa Desjardins reports on the Maine Senate race, including Collins's defense of her Kavanaugh vote.
PBS News Hour: What Maine voters are saying about the tight Senate raceFull 8:38 segment and transcript; Kavanaugh discussion in the latter part
Claims
Claims separate what was said from what is contested. Follow each source for the original wording and context.
What's disputed
Disputed claim
Collins's 2018 vote to confirm Kavanaugh remains justified despite his vote to overturn Roe and Casey in Dobbs.
Sources (3)
- Susan Collins announces vote to confirm Judge Kavanaughfloor speech paragraphs beginning 'There has also been considerable focus' through Roe and precedent discussion
- Susan Collins statement on Supreme Court Dobbs decisionparagraphs describing the abandoned precedent and Gorsuch/Kavanaugh meetings
- Susan Collins doesn't regret putting Brett Kavanaugh on the Supreme Courtparagraphs after 'PORTLAND' quoting Collins and Graham Platner campaign
Response record
Responses
Choose one response filter, or select All responses to see the full record.
14 responses. First 6 shown initially. Newest first.
Amy FriedPolitical scientist and Political Sightlines author, in an October 22 column Before this statement
She quotes Collins saying Roe would have fallen without Kavanaugh because the vote was 6-3.
"Thus it was a five person majority without the Chief Justice that ended a federal right to abortion."
Challenged the characterizationCase context: Was Susan Collins's 2018 vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh justified after Dobbs?
Full statement and sources
Fried argues that Collins's six-vote explanation confuses upholding Mississippi's law with overturning Roe. She distinguishes Roberts's narrower position from the five-justice overruling majority.
After the statement
She discusses the effects of abortion restrictions and Collins's political explanations.
Susan Collins's bad Kavanaugh math fits her blame-shifting patternFull column; section on the Dobbs majorityWhy this label?
The reference point is Collins's justification for her confirmation vote. Fried challenges her account of Kavanaugh's role in Dobbs.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Troy JacksonDemocratic candidate for U.S. Senate in MaineBefore this statement
Jackson opened the debate by pointing to Collins's vote to confirm Kavanaugh. AP reported that Kavanaugh later helped overturn the constitutional right to abortion.
"Would you trust her to pick the next Supreme Court justice?"
CondemnedCase context: Was Susan Collins's 2018 vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh justified after Dobbs?
Full statement and sources
Jackson pointed to Collins's Kavanaugh confirmation vote during their October 6 debate and asked whether she should be trusted to pick the next Supreme Court justice.
After the statement
He also criticized a procedural spending-bill vote. This statement concerns her Supreme Court confirmation judgment.
Collins and Jackson debate in Maine's Senate race · Associated PressOpening Kavanaugh-confirmation discussion; Jackson question about the next Supreme Court justice.Why this label?
Jackson questions trusting Collins with another Supreme Court appointment after her Kavanaugh confirmation vote.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Susan CollinsU.S. senator from Maine and Republican candidate for reelection, in a CNN interviewDirectly involvedBefore this statement
Raju asked Collins whether, looking back, it was a mistake to put Kavanaugh on the Court. She said a nominee cannot be asked how he will vote, that Kavanaugh told her he considered Roe settled law, and that she is the only Republican senator to have voted for the three liberal women on the Court.
"I make the decisions based on the qualifications of the individual. And that is what I did with Brett Kavanaugh."
Defended or excusedResponding to: Collins's 2018 vote to confirm Kavanaugh remains justified despite his vote to overturn Roe and Casey in Dobbs.
Full statement and sources
Asked by CNN's Manu Raju whether it was a mistake to put Kavanaugh on the Court, Collins said Kavanaugh told her Roe was settled law, that she could not ask how he would vote, and that she decided based on his qualifications. She said she did not like his Dobbs decision.
After the statement
Pressed on whether it was a mistake, Collins said Kavanaugh was qualified to be on the Court and that it was obvious she did not like his decision on Roe.
CNN Newsroom transcript: Susan Collins discusses her Kavanaugh vote · CNNAired September 20, 2026, 4-5 p.m. ET; about 16:20:01 ET, Collins answers Manu Raju's question about her vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh.Why this label?
The reference point is Collins's 2018 vote to confirm Kavanaugh and whether it remains justified after Dobbs. Collins answers a direct question about whether the vote was a mistake by restating the basis for it: his qualifications. That defends the vote, so we used Defended or excused. Mixed or conditional is close because she says she disliked his Dobbs decision, but she does not let that change her view of the vote. The quote is from CNN's transcript.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- Troy JacksonDemocratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Maine
Before this statement
Jackson posted the video with text saying leaders who are pro-choice do not vote the way Collins has or try to hide their record.
"Let's put this idea that Susan Collins is pro-choice, you know, completely behind us."
CondemnedResponding to: Collins's 2018 vote to confirm Kavanaugh remains justified despite his vote to overturn Roe and Casey in Dobbs.
Full statement and sources
In a campaign video, Troy Jackson said the idea that Collins is pro-choice should be put behind voters, and said her vote for Kavanaugh showed what she was willing to do. He also criticized her vote for the new CDC director.
After the statement
Jackson then says Kavanaugh showed what Collins was willing to do, and criticizes her vote for a CDC director who, Jackson said, wants abortion surveillance.
Troy Jackson video post on Collins's abortion recordX video post by @TroyJackson207, September 4, 2026; opening 16 seconds of the 40-second videoWhy this label?
The reference point is Collins's 2018 vote to confirm Kavanaugh and whether it remains justified after Dobbs. Jackson cites the Kavanaugh vote as proof that Collins's pro-choice label no longer holds, which is a direct criticism of the vote. We used Condemned. Challenged the characterization is close because he disputes her pro-choice label, but he grounds that in the vote itself. The quote comes from his own video post, transcribed from the audio and matching The Hill's report.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- Troy JacksonDemocratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Maine, through campaign spokesperson Maggie Amjad
Before this statement
The 19th reports that the Maine Democratic Party chose Jackson to replace Graham Platner as its Senate nominee, and that his campaign has emphasized Collins's vote for Kavanaugh. It says polls suggest the two are running neck-and-neck.
"Even now, Collins proudly says she doesn’t regret her vote, and while she will keep making excuses for her actions, Troy will keep fighting to repair the damage she caused and restore abortion rights nationwide"
CondemnedCase context: Was Susan Collins's 2018 vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh justified after Dobbs?
Full statement and sources
Maggie Amjad, a spokesperson for Troy Jackson's U.S. Senate campaign, said Collins still says she does not regret her vote and will keep making excuses for her actions. She said Jackson will keep fighting to repair the damage Collins caused and to restore abortion rights nationwide.
After the statement
The article says the Kavanaugh emphasis is not new, because the 2020 effort to unseat Collins also focused on it, and that Reproductive Freedom for All endorsed Jackson at the end of August.
Women who remember life before Roe are turning away from Susan CollinsParagraph beginning "Even now, Collins proudly says", after the sentence on Reproductive Freedom for All endorsing JacksonWhy this label?
The case asks whether Collins's 2018 vote to confirm Kavanaugh was justified after Dobbs. Amjad, speaking for the Jackson campaign, said Collins still says she does not regret her vote and will keep making excuses, and that Jackson will keep fighting to repair the damage she caused. That rejects Collins's defense of the vote and says it did harm, so we labeled it Condemned. The article places the remark in its discussion of the campaign's emphasis on the Kavanaugh vote.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Mini TimmarajuPresident and CEO of Reproductive Freedom for All, in a press releaseBefore this statement
The release announced a $250,000 direct-mail ad campaign by Reproductive Freedom for All and Senate Majority PAC. It says the ad reminds Maine voters that Collins cast the deciding vote to confirm Kavanaugh, and it separately says Collins has said she does not regret that vote.
"Susan Collins’ lack of leadership and broken promises on reproductive freedom are a glaring vulnerability in this race. She promised to protect her constituents’ fundamental freedoms, and instead helped Donald Trump take them away."
CondemnedCase context: Was Susan Collins's 2018 vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh justified after Dobbs?
Full statement and sources
Mini Timmaraju, president and CEO of Reproductive Freedom for All, said Collins promised to protect her constituents' fundamental freedoms and instead helped Donald Trump take them away. She made the statement in a release announcing a $250,000 direct-mail campaign against Collins in Maine.
After the statement
The release says the mail program will reach more than 100,000 Maine households and is part of the organization's $23.5 million My Body. My Ballot. campaign. The Hill reported on September 7, 2026 that Democrats and reproductive rights groups were making Collins's Kavanaugh vote a central part of their campaign against her.
Reproductive Freedom for All Launches $250,000 Mail Program Ahead of Midterms Reminding Maine Voters Susan Collins Helped Overturn Roe · Reproductive Freedom for AllOrganizational press release, September 1, 2026, carrying a statement attributed to president and CEO Mini Timmaraju.Collins’s Kavanaugh vote becomes key weapon for opponents · The HillParagraph quoting Timmaraju's statement, after the description of the direct-mail campaign.Why this label?
The reference point is Collins's 2018 vote to confirm Kavanaugh, judged after Dobbs. Timmaraju says Collins broke her promises on reproductive freedom and helped Donald Trump take her constituents' freedoms away, which criticizes Collins's conduct. Her quoted words do not name Kavanaugh. The release says the ad it announces reminds Maine voters that Collins cast the deciding vote to confirm him, and The Hill reported the statement in an article about Democrats and reproductive rights groups making that vote a focus against her. We labeled it Condemned.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Show fewer responses
Maine Democratic PartyOfficial state affiliate of the Democratic Party, in a press releaseBefore this statement
The release opens by saying the Maine Democratic Party launched its "No Regrets" campaign the week before, marking the fourth anniversary of the Dobbs decision. A Daily Beast excerpt reproduced in the release quotes Collins telling Fox News that she disagreed with the Supreme Court's decision overturning Roe v. Wade but that Roe would have been overturned whether or not Kavanaugh was confirmed. A Portland Press Herald excerpt in the release says Collins told reporters in June that she does not regret her vote to confirm him.
"The campaign came after Collins lied during a Fox News interview that her vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh had no impact on the overturning of Roe v. Wade. In reality, Roe was overturned by a 5-4 vote, with Kavanaugh casting the decisive fifth vote. Collins also recently doubled down on that confirmation, saying she does not regret casting the decisive vote to put Kavanaugh on the Supreme Court."
CondemnedCase context: Was Susan Collins's 2018 vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh justified after Dobbs?
Full statement and sources
The Maine Democratic Party said in a June 30, 2026 release that Collins "lied" during a Fox News interview about the effect of her Kavanaugh vote on the overturning of Roe v. Wade. It said Roe was overturned by a 5-4 vote, with Kavanaugh casting the decisive fifth vote, and that Collins doubled down by saying she does not regret the vote.
After the statement
The release says the campaign launch included a digital ad, newspaper ads and a press conference outside Portland City Hall. It also reproduces coverage of the campaign, including a party spokesperson's written statement that Collins's vote helped pave the way for Roe to be overturned.
ICYMI: MDP Slams Susan Collins’ Anti-Abortion Record on Dobbs Anniversary · Maine Democratic PartyPress release dated June 30, 2026, third paragraph.Why this label?
The reference point is Collins's 2018 vote to confirm Kavanaugh, judged after Dobbs. The party says Collins lied about the vote's effect on the overturning of Roe, says Kavanaugh cast the decisive fifth vote, and says she doubled down by saying she does not regret the vote. The release presents this as the basis of an accountability campaign against her vote, so it criticizes the vote and her defense of it and does more than dispute a description. We labeled it Condemned.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Graham PlatnerDemocratic nominee for U.S. Senate in MaineBefore this statement
Platner quoted a clip of Collins telling Fox News that Roe would have been overturned whether or not Kavanaugh was confirmed, given what she called a 6-3 vote.
"Susan Collins is lying through her teeth. Roe v. Wade was not overturned 6-3. That is a lie. It was 5-4."
CondemnedResponding to: Collins's 2018 vote to confirm Kavanaugh remains justified despite his vote to overturn Roe and Casey in Dobbs.
Full statement and sources
Graham Platner said Collins was lying when she said Roe was overturned 6-3. He said Kavanaugh was the deciding vote in a 5-4 decision and that Collins was the deciding vote to confirm Kavanaugh.
After the statement
The post continues that Roberts did not support overturning Roe, that Kavanaugh was the deciding vote to overturn it, and that Collins was the deciding vote to confirm Kavanaugh. Kavanaugh was confirmed 50-48.
Graham Platner post on Collins's Fox News remarks about the Dobbs voteX post by @grahamformaine, June 22, 2026, 20:19 UTC, quoting a clip of Collins's Fox News interviewSusan Collins misstates Dobbs vote while defending her Kavanaugh confirmationParagraphs beginning "Pressed on whether her Kavanaugh vote" and "Collins spokesperson Blake Kernen acknowledged"Why this label?
The reference point is Collins's 2018 vote to confirm Kavanaugh and whether it remains justified after Dobbs. Platner rejects Collins's claim that her vote did not matter and says she was the deciding vote to confirm the justice who decided Dobbs. That criticizes the vote itself, so we used Condemned. Challenged the characterization is close because he disputes her vote count, but he goes on to blame the confirmation. The quote is from his own X post.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- Susan CollinsU.S. senator from Maine and Republican candidate for reelection, in a Fox News interviewDirectly involved
Before this statement
The Fox News interviewer asked whether her vote for Kavanaugh was a problem for her now that Roe v. Wade had been overturned. Collins began by saying she disagreed with the Court's decision.
"Whether Justice Kavanaugh were confirmed or not, Roe v. Wade would have been overturned, given the 6-3 vote"
MinimizedResponding to: Collins's 2018 vote to confirm Kavanaugh remains justified despite his vote to overturn Roe and Casey in Dobbs.
Full statement and sources
Asked on Fox News whether her Kavanaugh vote was a problem for her after Roe was overturned, Collins said she disagreed with the Court's decision but that Roe would have been overturned whether or not Kavanaugh was confirmed, citing what she called a 6-3 vote. The vote to overturn Roe was 5-4; her campaign later said she misspoke.
After the statement
The Dobbs ruling overturned Roe 5-4; the 6-3 vote on the judgment upheld Mississippi's 15-week ban, with Chief Justice Roberts declining to overrule Roe. Collins spokesperson Blake Kernen told the Bangor Daily News that the senator misspoke.
Susan Collins misstates Dobbs vote while defending her Kavanaugh confirmationParagraphs beginning "Pressed on whether her Kavanaugh vote" and "Collins spokesperson Blake Kernen acknowledged"Why this label?
The reference point is Collins's 2018 vote to confirm Kavanaugh and whether it remains justified after Dobbs. Here Collins acknowledges the concern by saying she disagreed with Dobbs, then argues her vote made no difference to the outcome. That downplays the consequences of the vote, so we used Minimized. Defended or excused is close, but in this answer she does not argue the vote was right; she argues it was not decisive. The quote is from the Bangor Daily News report, and we checked it against a broadcast clip of the interview.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Angela Vasquez-GirouxVice president of communications, Planned Parenthood Votes Before this statement
Susan Collins voted to confirm Brett Kavanaugh in 2018. His subsequent vote in Dobbs helped overturn Roe v. Wade.
"that person is not Susan Collins"
CondemnedCase context: Was Susan Collins's 2018 vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh justified after Dobbs?
Full statement and sources
Angela Vasquez-Giroux condemned Collins's Kavanaugh vote and said Maine voters should choose someone who would defend abortion access.
After the statement
Vasquez-Giroux urged Maine voters to choose a senator who would defend abortion access.
Angela Vasquez-Giroux statement on Collins's Kavanaugh voteNamed spokesperson's complete statementWhy this label?
Angela Vasquez-Giroux argues against Collins's Kavanaugh vote. Vasquez-Giroux urged Maine voters to choose a senator who would defend abortion access.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Ben ChinGraham Platner campaign manager Before this statement
The Press Herald reported Collins's statement that she did not regret confirming Kavanaugh.
"Thanks to Susan Collins’ decisive vote for Brett Kavanaugh, the freedom to choose was stripped away from millions of women"
CondemnedResponding to: Collins's 2018 vote to confirm Kavanaugh remains justified despite his vote to overturn Roe and Casey in Dobbs.
Full statement and sources
A rival campaign manager criticized Collins's vote for Kavanaugh for its effect on national abortion rights.
After the statement
Chin's statement addressed the nationwide consequences of Dobbs; Collins separately discussed Maine's state protections.
Susan Collins doesn't regret putting Brett Kavanaugh on the Supreme Courtparagraphs after 'PORTLAND' quoting Collins and Graham Platner campaignSupreme Court docket and judgment in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health OrganizationJune 24, 2022 judgment entry identifying joining and dissenting justicesWhy this label?
Condemns the same confirmation vote that Collins defended; this is an attributed campaign statement.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- Susan CollinsU.S. senator speaking to reportersDirectly involved
Before this statement
Reporters asked Collins about her confirmation vote after Kavanaugh joined the Dobbs majority.
"I do not regret that (confirmation) vote"
Defended or excusedResponding to: Collins's 2018 vote to confirm Kavanaugh remains justified despite his vote to overturn Roe and Casey in Dobbs.
Full statement and sources
Collins said she did not regret voting to confirm Kavanaugh, although she disagreed with his Dobbs vote.
After the statement
She separately said she disagreed with his Dobbs vote and pointed to other justices she had supported. The Press Herald article says she meant Justices Sotomayor, Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson, but the Court's opinion in Dobbs lists Justices Breyer, Sotomayor and Kagan as the dissenters.
Susan Collins doesn't regret putting Brett Kavanaugh on the Supreme Courtparagraphs after 'PORTLAND' quoting Collins and Graham Platner campaignSusan Collins statement on Supreme Court Dobbs decisionparagraphs describing the abandoned precedent and Gorsuch/Kavanaugh meetingsWhy this label?
Directly defends the conduct under scrutiny, her 2018 confirmation vote, while expressing disagreement with the later Dobbs decision.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- Susan CollinsU.S. senator from MaineDirectly involved
Before this statement
A reporter asked Collins on June 10 about Platner's primary-night speech, specifically his accusation about her Kavanaugh vote and abortion rights.
"Well, that's obviously not true. The people of Maine know me well and I know them well."
DeniedCase context: Was Susan Collins's 2018 vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh justified after Dobbs?
Full statement and sources
Susan Collins, asked about Graham Platner's accusation that she lied to Mainers about protecting abortion rights because of her Kavanaugh vote, said it was obviously not true and that the people of Maine know her well.
After the statement
Platner had won the Democratic nomination on June 9 and will face Collins in November.
Collins responds to Platner's accusation about abortion rights and Kavanaugh00:01-00:09 reporter's question; 00:10-00:19 Collins's answer.Why this label?
The case asks whether Collins's 2018 vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh was justified after Dobbs. Asked about Graham Platner's primary-night accusation that she lied to Mainers about protecting abortion rights, Collins said it was obviously not true. This is a flat denial of the dishonesty charge attached to the vote, so Denied fits. Defended or excused is the closest competing label; it loses because in this answer she does not argue that the vote itself was justified.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- Susan CollinsU.S. senator, in her October 5, 2018 floor speechDirectly involved
Before this statement
She says Kavanaugh treats precedent as rooted in the Constitution.
"his views on honoring precedent would preclude attempts to do by stealth that which one has committed not to do overtly."
Defended or excusedCase context: Was Susan Collins's 2018 vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh justified after Dobbs?
Full statement and sources
Collins argues that Kavanaugh's approach to precedent would protect established rulings from being eroded indirectly.
After the statement
She recounts asking Kavanaugh whether elapsed time matters for Roe and Casey.
Susan Collins announces vote to confirm Judge Kavanaughfloor speech paragraphs beginning 'There has also been considerable focus' through Roe and precedent discussionSusan Collins: full floor speech on Kavanaugh's nominationFull 43:42 speech, linked by Collins's official Senate statementWhy this label?
The reference point is Collins's intended confirmation vote. She justifies her announced vote through Kavanaugh's stated approach to precedent.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Sources
(22)
Official statement
Susan Collins announces vote to confirm Judge Kavanaugh
Relevant passage: floor speech paragraphs beginning 'There has also been considerable focus' through Roe and precedent discussion
About this source
Collins explains why Kavanaugh's statements about precedent, Roe, and Casey informed her confirmation vote.
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
PBS News Hour: What Maine voters are saying about the tight Senate race
About this source
Lisa Desjardins reports on the Maine Senate race, including Collins's defense of her Kavanaugh vote.
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
Susan Collins: full floor speech on Kavanaugh's nomination
Sen. Susan Collins on Judge Brett Kavanaugh's views on precedent, in her Senate floor speech announcing her vote on his nomination, Oct. 5, 2018.
Excerpt from 15:51 to 16:58 of the Senate floor video. DI added its logo in the corner.
Video: U.S. Senator Susan Collins (Senate floor video). Public domain (U.S. government work) (opens in a new tab)
Watch the full original video (opens in a new tab) (relevant passage: Full 43:42 speech, linked by Collins's official Senate statement)
About this source
Collins's official channel supplies the complete floor speech explaining her confirmation decision.
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Senate roll call 223: Brett Kavanaugh confirmation
Relevant passage: Vote summary and Collins entry
About this source
The official Senate roll call records the confirmation vote and each senator's vote.
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Supreme Court record of Brett Kavanaugh's oath ceremony
Relevant passage: Opening paragraph recording the completed October 6 ceremony
About this source
The Supreme Court records that Kavanaugh took both oaths of office on October 6, 2018.
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Susan Collins statement on the Women's Health Protection Act
Relevant passage: Full statement before the Senate vote
About this source
Collins opposes the proposed bill while arguing for her alternative legislation on abortion rights.
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Susan Collins statement on the leaked Dobbs draft
Relevant passage: Full statement
About this source
Collins conditionally contrasts the leaked draft with the justices' earlier statements and says the final opinion remains unknown.
- Published
- Accessed
Analysis
Susan Collins's bad Kavanaugh math fits her blame-shifting pattern
Relevant passage: Full column; section on the Dobbs majority
About this source
Fried challenges Collins's arguments about her confirmation vote and the number of justices who overturned Roe.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Collins and Jackson debate in Maine's Senate race
Relevant passage: Opening Kavanaugh-confirmation discussion; Jackson question about the next Supreme Court justice.
About this source
AP reports the October 6 debate. Jackson criticized Collins's Kavanaugh confirmation vote. The article quotes Jackson directly; it does not provide a new direct Collins quotation about Kavanaugh.
- Author
- Kimberlee Kruesi
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
Collins responds to Platner's accusation about abortion rights and Kavanaugh
About this source
Nineteen-second recording published June 10, 2026. The description identifies Platner and Kavanaugh where automated captions misrender their names.
- Author
- Forbes Breaking News
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Troy Jackson video post on Collins's abortion record
Troy Jackson, a former president of the Maine Senate, criticizes Sen. Susan Collins's abortion record, in a video posted to X on Sept. 4, 2026.
DI added its logo in the corner.
Video: Troy Jackson (@TroyJackson207 on X). Excerpt used for news reporting and commentary
Watch the full original video (opens in a new tab) (relevant passage: X video post by @TroyJackson207, September 4, 2026; opening 16 seconds of the 40-second video)
Excerpt
"Let's put this idea that Susan Collins is pro-choice, you know, completely behind us. … Kavanaugh certainly has shown that that's something that she was willing to do."
About this source
Jackson's campaign video says Collins's votes for Kavanaugh and for the new CDC director show she is not pro-choice. The post text reads: "Leaders who are actually pro-choice don't vote like this, advocate for policies like this, or try to hide their record from Mainers." The Hill quoted the same video on September 7, 2026.
- Author
- Troy Jackson
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Graham Platner post on Collins's Fox News remarks about the Dobbs vote
Excerpt
"Susan Collins is lying through her teeth. Roe v. Wade was not overturned 6-3. That is a lie. It was 5-4. Roberts specifically said he did not support overturning Roe."
About this source
Platner, then the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Maine, posted this response to a clip of Collins saying Roe would have been overturned whether or not Kavanaugh was confirmed.
- Author
- Graham Platner
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Susan Collins misstates Dobbs vote while defending her Kavanaugh confirmation
Relevant passage: Paragraphs beginning "Pressed on whether her Kavanaugh vote" and "Collins spokesperson Blake Kernen acknowledged"
Excerpt
"“Whether Justice Kavanaugh were confirmed or not, Roe v. Wade would have been overturned, given the 6-3 vote,” Collins said. … Collins spokesperson Blake Kernen acknowledged that the senator misspoke"
About this source
Bangor Daily News report on Collins's June 22, 2026 Fox News interview, in which she said Roe would have been overturned with or without Kavanaugh. The report notes that the Dobbs vote to overturn Roe was 5-4 and quotes her campaign's response.
- Author
- Michael Shepherd
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Angela Vasquez-Giroux statement on Collins's Kavanaugh vote
Relevant passage: Named spokesperson's complete statement
About this source
Contains statements by Angela Vasquez-Giroux about collins's kavanaugh vote.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Women who remember life before Roe are turning away from Susan Collins
Relevant passage: Paragraph beginning "Even now, Collins proudly says", after the sentence on Reproductive Freedom for All endorsing Jackson
Excerpt
"Even now, Collins proudly says she doesn’t regret her vote, and while she will keep making excuses for her actions, Troy will keep fighting to repair the damage she caused and restore abortion rights nationwide"
About this source
The 19th's report on Maine women over 60 who say Collins's vote for Kavanaugh cost her their trust. It quotes a spokesperson for Troy Jackson's Senate campaign.
- Author
- Shefali Luthra
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
ICYMI: MDP Slams Susan Collins’ Anti-Abortion Record on Dobbs Anniversary
Relevant passage: Press release dated June 30, 2026, third paragraph.
Excerpt
"The campaign came after Collins lied during a Fox News interview that her vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh had no impact on the overturning of Roe v. Wade. In reality, Roe was overturned by a 5-4 vote, with Kavanaugh casting the decisive fifth vote."
About this source
Maine Democratic Party press release on its "No Regrets" campaign marking the fourth anniversary of the Dobbs decision, reproducing news coverage of the campaign and of Collins's Fox News interview.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Collins’s Kavanaugh vote becomes key weapon for opponents
Relevant passage: Paragraph quoting Timmaraju's statement, after the description of the direct-mail campaign.
Excerpt
"Susan Collins’ lack of leadership and broken promises on reproductive freedom are a glaring vulnerability in this race. She promised to protect her constituents’ fundamental freedoms, and instead helped Donald Trump take them away"
About this source
Report on Democrats and reproductive rights groups making Collins's vote to confirm Kavanaugh a focus of the Maine Senate race, including a response from Collins's campaign.
- Author
- Joseph Choi
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Reproductive Freedom for All Launches $250,000 Mail Program Ahead of Midterms Reminding Maine Voters Susan Collins Helped Overturn Roe
Relevant passage: Organizational press release, September 1, 2026, carrying a statement attributed to president and CEO Mini Timmaraju.
Excerpt
"Susan Collins’ lack of leadership and broken promises on reproductive freedom are a glaring vulnerability in this race. She promised to protect her constituents’ fundamental freedoms, and instead helped Donald Trump take them away."
About this source
Press release announcing a $250,000 direct-mail advertising campaign in Maine by Reproductive Freedom for All and Senate Majority PAC, with a statement from the organization's president and CEO.
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
CNN Newsroom transcript: Susan Collins discusses her Kavanaugh vote
Relevant passage: Aired September 20, 2026, 4-5 p.m. ET; about 16:20:01 ET, Collins answers Manu Raju's question about her vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh.
Excerpt
"I believe that Kavanaugh was qualified to be on the Supreme Court."
About this source
CNN’s transcript preserves Collins’s on-the-trail interview response. She said Kavanaugh was qualified while saying she did not like his Dobbs decision. The exchange documents her current characterization of her confirmation vote; it does not establish any private assurance by Kavanaugh.
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
Susan Collins doesn't regret putting Brett Kavanaugh on the Supreme Court
Relevant passage: paragraphs after 'PORTLAND' quoting Collins and Graham Platner campaign
About this source
Collins's remarks to reporters after a banking conference in Portland, in which she defends her 2018 confirmation vote while disagreeing with Kavanaugh's Dobbs vote. The article also records campaign criticism. It names Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson among the Dobbs dissenters, but the Court's opinion lists Justices Breyer, Sotomayor and Kagan.
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Supreme Court docket and judgment in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization
Relevant passage: June 24, 2022 judgment entry identifying joining and dissenting justices
About this source
Court docket establishes that Kavanaugh joined the majority overruling Roe and Casey; Breyer, Sotomayor, and Kagan dissented. It does not establish what Kavanaugh privately promised Collins.
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Susan Collins statement on Supreme Court Dobbs decision
Relevant passage: paragraphs describing the abandoned precedent and Gorsuch/Kavanaugh meetings
About this source
Collins says the Dobbs result conflicts with what the two justices said to her about long-standing precedent and describes legislative efforts to codify protections.
- Published
- Accessed
Share or embed this case
The embed keeps its attribution link to The Dispute Index. Credit the image to The Dispute Index and link to the case page.
Cite this record
- Publisher
- The Dispute Index
- Title
- Was Susan Collins's 2018 vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh justified after Dobbs?
- First published
- Last updated
- Permalink
- https://disputeindex.com/cases/susan-collins-kavanaugh-confirmation-vote-after-dobbs
The Dispute Index. "Was Susan Collins's 2018 vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh justified after Dobbs?". First published: 2026-08-01. Last updated: 2026-09-26. https://disputeindex.com/cases/susan-collins-kavanaugh-confirmation-vote-after-dobbs