Jackson unseats Collins in Maine Senate

Troy Jackson defeated Susan Collins to claim Maine's open U.S. Senate seat early Wednesday. The result marks the first time a Democrat has won a Senate seat in Maine since 2014. Jackson, 58, took office after a campaign that began only in July following a sudden change in the Democratic ticket.

The victory ends Collins' 30-year tenure. She had served as the state's only Republican in Congress since 2016. Maine voters have supported the Democratic presidential candidate in every election since 1992. Collins had previously defeated Sara Gideon in 2020 despite a favorable national environment for Democrats.

Jackson replaced Graham Platner as the nominee after Platner withdrew in July. Platner, an oyster farmer, had drawn large crowds but faced multiple controversies. Jackson won a special nominating convention later that month. He had initially sought the Democratic nomination for governor but lost that primary.

The new candidate had roughly 100 days to build name recognition before Election Day. Jackson, a fifth-generation logger from Aroostook County, focused his messaging on housing costs and healthcare. He held rallies in churches, union halls, and bars. Former Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, a former surrogate for Jackson, joined him at several October events.

In a September campaign speech near Portland, Jackson said, “In the end, if you work hard, you should be able to build a decent life.” He added, “But that’s not the reality right now.” He criticized Collins for voting to advance President Donald Trump's tax cut and budget legislation out of committee before voting against its final passage.

Jackson described Collins' voting record with a specific analogy. “Sen. Collins is like an arsonist who helps set the fire and then she wants credit for bringing a cup of water to put it out,” he told reporters. His campaign also faced scrutiny over his temperament, including a debate moment where he told Collins to “shut up.”

Collins positioned herself as an independent voice within her party. She cited her role as chair of the Senate appropriations committee, a position held by a Maine senator for the first time in 92 years. “When I took over last year, I realized I had a once-in-a-century opportunity to help the state of Maine,” Collins said.

She also referenced her opposition to President Trump. In January, she joined other Republicans in a failed effort to limit the president's power to use force in Venezuela. Trump responded on social media that they “should never be elected to office again.” Vice President JD Vance also visited Maine in May and expressed frustration with Collins' lack of partisanship.

After calling Jackson to concede, Collins issued a brief statement. “It has been the honor of my life to serve the people of Maine in the United States Senate,” she said. She expressed pride in her accomplishments over the past three decades.

Jackson addressed supporters at an election night party in Portland. He said, “For every family doing everything they can and wondering when somebody is going to do something for them, you have gotten me into this.” He promised to fight for those families in Washington, D.C.