Democrat Troy Jackson Defeats Sen. Susan Collins in Maine U.S. Senate Race

Democrat Troy Jackson Unseats Longtime Republican Senator Susan Collins in Maine

Democrat Troy Jackson defeated Republican Susan Collins in Maine’s U.S. Senate race, ending a nearly three-decade legislative tenure that began in 1997, Maine Public Radio reported. Collins conceded the race early Wednesday morning after a somber gathering at her campaign headquarters in Bangor, according to Maine Public Radio state House correspondent Kevin Miller. Al Jazeera reported that the victory flipped a seat held by Republicans for 30 years in a contest that saw heavy national spending.

Republican groups spent heavily on the Maine race, donating $76m compared with $40m by Democrats, according to Al Jazeera. Jackson’s campaign raised $26.9m, slightly more than the $25.2m for Collins through mid-October. The contest intensified after Jackson entered the race in July following the withdrawal of the previous Democratic nominee, Graham Platner, who stepped down amid rape allegations. Jackson stepped into an all-out sprint with a little more than 100 days to campaign across a state where independents make up about one-third of the electorate, according to Maine Public Radio.

Voters in Maine delivered an anti-Trump message that resonated across the country, according to Maine Public Radio. Al Jazeera reported that Maine’s economy, located in the far northeastern United States bordering Canada, suffered from tariffs imposed on its key trading partner. Collins attempted to frame herself as a moderate independent who brought federal money home as chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. However, Jackson and other Democrats accused her of failing to stand up to President Donald Trump or keeping the administration in check, particularly after she voted to advance signature tax cut and budget legislation out of committee before voting against its final passage, according to The Associated Press.

Jackson campaigned on progressive issues including Medicare for All, defending abortion rights, and supporting union workers. As a fifth-generation logger from Aroostook County who went to work as a lumberjack at age 19, his blue-collar working man appeal resonated across the rural state. Jackson first entered politics in the late 1990s after leading a weeklong loggers’ blockade along the Quebec border protesting the hiring of Canadian loggers driving down pay rates. He subsequently served nearly 20 years in the state legislature, including six years as president of the Maine Senate, before losing a gubernatorial primary last year.

Collins defended her record by pointing to her independence from her party, noting she did not vote for Trump in 2016 and voted to convict him following his 2021 impeachment over the January 6 Capitol riot, according to The Associated Press. Al Jazeera reported that Collins drew criticism for voting in favour of Trump’s legislation and judicial nominees after the Supreme Court ended abortion rights. During a contentious debate, Collins attacked Jackson for his federal inexperience and his voting record, while Jackson faced scrutiny over his own temperament after telling Collins to shut up, according to The Associated Press.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Maine Senate Election

Who was the original Democratic nominee before Troy Jackson entered the race?

The original Democratic nominee was Graham Platner, an oyster farmer and political newcomer who drew huge crowds before withdrawing in July amid rape allegations, according to The Associated Press and Maine Public Radio.

How long did Susan Collins serve in the United States Senate?

Susan Collins served in the U.S. Senate since 1997, representing Maine for nearly three decades and winning her fifth term in previous election cycles before her defeat in November 2026, as reported by Maine Public Radio and Al Jazeera.

What financial figures were reported for the campaign spending in Maine?

Republican groups spent heavily on the race, donating $76m compared with $40m by Democrats, while Jackson’s campaign raised $26.9m, slightly more than the $25.2m for Collins through mid-October, according to Al Jazeera.

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