Democrat Troy Jackson Wins Maine Senate Seat, Defeating Incumbent Susan Collins

Democrat Troy Jackson has been declared the winner of Maine's U.S. Senate race, unseating Republican incumbent Susan Collins, according to the Associated Press. The win gives Democrats a crucial pickup as they seek to retake control of the Senate.

Collins, the longest-serving Republican woman in the Senate, had held the seat for nearly three decades, but her streak ended on Tuesday night. Jackson becomes the first Democrat to represent Maine in the Senate since 1995.

A fifth-generation logger, Jackson entered the race in August after the original Democratic nominee withdrew. He campaigned on a progressive populist platform, emphasizing his working-class background and ties to labor unions, and linked Collins to rising oil and gas prices and trade tensions affecting Maine businesses.

National polls had shown the contest as a virtual tie before the final votes were counted, and the campaign was among the most expensive of the midterms, with partisan groups spending over $250 million on advertising.

Collins highlighted her role as chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, arguing it brought federal funds to the state. In response, Jackson said, "> She's losing more money than she's bringing in. You know I keep saying, it would be great if she just stopped doing anything. We'd be better off," and added that healthcare costs, the Iran war and tariffs were hurting Maine more than any benefits from Collins' tenure.

Collins, who has a record of breaking with her party more than any other Republican senator, defended her moderate stance, noting that Jackson would vote consistently with Democratic positions and that Maine needed representatives willing to work across party lines.