Troy Jackson defeats Susan Collins for Maine Senate

Jackson defeats Collins in Maine

Troy Jackson, a Democrat, has defeated Republican incumbent Susan Collins for U.S. Senate in Maine, according to the Associated Press. The victory is crucial for Democrats seeking Senate majority.

Collins' 30-year tenure ends

Collins, the longest-serving Republican woman in the Senate, ends her nearly thirty-year tenure in Congress. Jackson becomes the first Democrat to represent Maine in the Senate since nineteen ninety-five.

Jackson's rapid rise to nominee

A fifth-generation logger, Jackson became the Democratic nominee in August after Graham Platner suspended his campaign following an allegation of rape, which he denies. Jackson quickly became a national figure.

Jackson's campaign message

Jackson ran on a progressive populist platform emphasizing his working-class background and deep ties to the labor movement. He linked Collins to Trump policies fueling economic concerns in Maine, including rising oil and gas prices.

A quarter billion spent on ads

The race was one of the most expensive in this year's midterms. Democratic and Republican-aligned groups spent more than a quarter of a billion dollars on ads, according to data from AdImpact.

Collins' Kavanaugh vote haunted her

Democrats attacked Collins' 2018 vote confirming Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, which expanded a conservative majority that eliminated the constitutional right to abortion in 2022. Collins said she does not regret the vote.

Jackson challenges Collins' record

In an October interview with Maine Public Radio, Jackson said Collins brings in less federal money than Maine loses to Trump policies. "We're losing a lot more; our healthcare, Iran war, tariffs," he said.

“We're losing a lot more; our healthcare, Iran war, tariffs.”