Democrat Troy Jackson Wins Maine Senate Seat, Defeating Incumbent Susan Collins
Troy Jackson defeated Republican Senator Susan Collins in Maine, giving Democrats an additional seat in the Senate following the midterm elections.
Democrat Troy Jackson won Maine’s Senate race, unseating longtime Republican incumbent Susan Collins, according to NBC News projections. The victory adds to the Democratic majority secured in the recent midterm elections.
Jackson, a former logger who entered politics after a 1998 labor protest, became the Democratic nominee in late July after Graham Platner withdrew amid a sexual-assault allegation. He campaigned by linking Collins to President Donald Trump, noting that she voted with the president 96% of the time, a claim Collins disputed.
Collins emphasized her seniority and record of securing federal funding, citing $1.5 billion for 672 projects over the past five years. She also highlighted her independent voting record, including her 2021 vote to convict Trump during his impeachment trial.
During debates, Jackson criticized Collins for not using her influence to benefit Mainers, referencing her support for the 2017 tax bill and her stance on trade policies. He positioned himself as a working-class candidate, drawing on his union ties and progressive platform that includes Medicare for All and ending ICE.
The race reflected broader national trends, with voters expressing concern about President Trump’s policies, which helped Democrats in several contests. Jackson’s win marks the first time a challenger from Collins’ home county, Aroostook, has defeated her.