CBS/YouGov poll shows Maine Senate race dead-locked between Collins and Jackson

A recent CBS News/YouGov poll indicates that incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins and Democratic challenger Troy Jackson are dead-locked in Maine’s Senate contest. The survey, conducted with a representative sample of 1,114 registered voters between Sept. 23 and Oct. 1, found the race tied, with a margin of error of ±4.7 points.

Collins retains support among voters who say state issues outweigh national considerations and leads on the question of which candidate would bring more federal funding to Maine. She also attracts about one-in-five voters who disapprove of President Donald Trump, a higher share than most Republican congressional candidates nationwide.

Jackson’s backing comes from voters who view Collins as too aligned with Trump, those opposed to tariffs, and voters hoping to give Democrats control of the Senate. He also draws support from constituents who prioritize change over experience.

About 10% of respondents say they could still change their vote, underscoring the race’s volatility. Even among voters who believe Jackson’s policies would improve their finances, roughly one-in-five would still choose Collins.

Long-time supporters of Collins remain loyal, with the incumbent performing well among voters who have voted for her in previous elections, despite a broader anti-incumbent sentiment nationally. Conversely, Jackson faces challenges from within his own party, as four-in-ten Democrats and most independents would prefer a different Democratic nominee.

The poll also notes that Jackson trails the Democratic gubernatorial candidate Hannah Pingree, whose support aligns more closely with the state’s overall partisan lean. Some voters are splitting their tickets, backing Collins for Senate while supporting Pingree for governor.

The survey was weighted by gender, age, race, education and 2024 presidential vote to reflect U.S. Census data.