Maine Senate: Troy Jackson unseats Susan Collins
The Democratic challenger defeated the veteran Republican in a race defined by economic grievances and the incumbent's recent committee leadership.
By Carolina Wood ·
Maine voters selected Troy Jackson as their next U.S. senator on Wednesday, ending the 30-year tenure of Republican incumbent Susan Collins. Jackson, 58, defeated Collins in a contest that many analysts viewed as a bellwether for the party's standing in the Northeast.
Jackson entered the race with limited name recognition compared to his opponent. He replaced Graham Platner as the Democratic nominee in July following Platner's withdrawal. Jackson, a fifth-generation logger from rural Aroostook County, spent the final 100 days of the campaign touring the state to discuss housing costs and healthcare expenses. His platform drew comparisons to Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who joined Jackson for rallies in October.
Collins, 73, sought a sixth term in the Senate. She served as the chair of the Senate appropriations committee, a role she held for the first time in 92 years for a Maine senator. Collins emphasized her independence from the White House, noting that she did not vote for President Donald Trump in 2016 and voted to convict him in his 2021 impeachment trial.
During the campaign, Jackson criticized Collins for advancing Trump's tax and budget legislation out of committee before voting against the final bill. He described the incumbent's approach as helping set a fire and then claiming credit for extinguishing it with a cup of water. Collins, for her part, highlighted her longevity in office and her role in national budget negotiations.
The race also featured friction over Jackson's temperament. Collins pointed to a moment during a debate where Jackson told her to shut up. Jackson acknowledged the incident but maintained his focus remained on working families and economic stability.
Collins conceded the race to Jackson after calling him. She stated in a statement that serving the people of Maine had been the honor of her life and that she was proud of her accomplishments over the past three decades.
Jackson addressed supporters at an election night gathering in Portland. He told the crowd that he would fight for families who feel they have done everything in their power to get by. He noted that his victory would place a new voice in Washington representing the state's interests.
The result leaves Democrats with a key win in New England. Collins had previously won a comfortable victory in 2020, a year when Democrats captured the presidency and both of Maine's House seats. Her loss marks a shift in the state's congressional delegation.
