William Cohen Republican Susan Collins Republican The 1996 United States Senate election in Maine was held November 5, 1996.

Senator William Cohen decided to retire instead of seeking a fourth term.

To replace him, U.S. Representative Joseph E. Brennan won the Democratic primary while political consultant Susan Collins won the Republican primary.

A competitive general election ensued, but Collins ultimately won out over Brennan, keeping the seat in the Republican column.

Brennan and Collins both ran in the 1994 gubernatorial election, and each won their respective party's nomination, but lost the general election to independent Angus King, who would be elected in Maine's other Senate seat in 2012 and become a Senator in 2013, serving alongside Collins.