Democrat Troy Jackson defeated Republican Sen. Susan Collins in Maine’s U.S. Senate race, gaining a Republican-held seat as Democrats took control of both chambers of Congress.
The Associated Press called the Maine race for Jackson and reported that Democrats won the Senate and House. Collins conceded, ending her bid for a sixth term.
Republicans held a 53-47 Senate majority before the vote. Democrats needed four net gains to take control, making Maine one of the seats at stake in their effort to win the chamber.
Collins was first elected in 1996 and chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, which oversees discretionary federal spending. Jackson, a former Maine Senate president, is a fifth-generation logger.
Economic pressures shaped the campaign. Reuters reported that the Iran war raised fuel and home-heating costs, while the U.S. trade conflict with Canada weighed on Maine’s tourism, lobstering and logging industries.
Jackson campaigned on housing and health care costs, while Collins emphasized the influence of her Senate seniority, according to AP. Democrats chose Jackson as their nominee in July after Graham Platner withdrew.
Collins said she called Jackson to congratulate him and that her staff would help with the transition, ABC News reported.
