Maine's Nov. 3 Senate election pits Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins against Democrat Troy D. Jackson in a contest the Associated Press says could influence the chamber's balance of power.
Collins announced her campaign Feb. 10. First elected in 1996, she won reelection in 2002, 2008, 2014 and 2020. Her official Senate biography says the 2020 win made her the first Republican woman to win a fifth Senate term. Collins chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, which oversees discretionary federal spending.
In her campaign video, Collins said, “This is perfect for 2026, because I’m running.” CBS News reported that she won by more than eight points in 2020, while Donald Trump lost Maine by nine points. The figures reflect different results in the Senate and presidential races that year.
Democrat Graham C. Platner withdrew from the race, and Maine's Secretary of State confirmed the withdrawal on July 10. The office said the party could choose a replacement because Platner withdrew before the deadline. The state's candidate record lists Jackson as the replacement nominee.
The Maine Democratic Party says Jackson received 566 votes at its July 25 nominating convention, where 583 delegates participated. EconoTimes' earlier review of October polling described the contest as close.
Maine's general election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3. The outcome will determine who represents the state in the Senate as Collins seeks another term.
