Senator Susan Collins is facing new questions about a 2020 campaign scandal. ProPublica reported that her office helped steer federal contracts to Navatek, a Hawaii defense contractor. In return, company executives donated to her reelection campaign, the report said.

The report claims the FBI planned to investigate the alleged pay-to-play scheme in 2024. It says the probe never started after Donald Trump took office. ProPublica said Navatek CEO Martin Kao agreed to write a check in exchange for tens of millions in contracts, despite a ban on contractor donations.

Maine Democrats called the allegations serious and asked Collins to answer questions. Collins called the story “absolutely outrageous.” Her campaign manager said claims of trading contracts for donations “did not happen.” The FBI said the allegations were already investigated.

Collins is seeking a sixth term in November against Democrat Troy Jackson. Polls show a close race in a state Trump lost in 2024. The seat could help decide control of the Senate.