Collins and Manchin campaign in Maine

Senator Susan Collins joined former Senator Joe Manchin on Wednesday for campaign appearances in Maine's U.S. Senate race.

Jackson and Ocasio-Cortez team up

Democrat Troy Jackson will join Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for campaign appearances in Portland, Maine, on Thursday.

Ideological clash history

Ocasio-Cortez and Manchin have clashed over policies since 2019, with Ocasio-Cortez introducing the Green New Deal and Manchin criticizing it as a 'dream'.

“The Green New Deal is a dream, I’ve got to work in realities”

Manchin's moderate reputation

Manchin was seen as one of the most moderate Democratic senators before leaving the party in May 2024 to become an independent.

Collins' campaign strength

Collins has defied Maine's partisan lean due to her personal popularity, bipartisan image, and role as chair of the Appropriations Committee.

Jackson's campaign support

Jackson has a 2-point lead in polls with 49 percent support to Collins' 47 percent, according to a Suffolk University poll.

Jackson's campaign strategy

Jackson has outrailed Collins 4-to-1 in recent fundraising but trails in overall campaign finance.

Ocasio-Cortez's criticism

Ocasio-Cortez accused Manchin of weekly huddles with Exxon and drafting fossil fuel bills, which he denied.

“has weekly huddles w/ Exxon & is one of many senators who gives lobbyists their pen”

Manchin's recent comments

Manchin told Fox News that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is 'crazy' for working to unseat Collins.

“She is the soul of America. She's the soul of the Senate”

Collins' debate remarks

Collins called Jackson's supporters 'Troy’s supporters' during a debate after a data center protest interrupted her speech.

“This is obviously one of Troy’s supporters”

Jackson's response

Jackson responded to Collins' comment by saying, 'Oh, shut up. I don’t even know that kid.'

“Oh, shut up. I don’t even know that kid”

Jackson's campaign support

Jackson has received endorsements from Barack Obama and Bernie Sanders, who campaigned with him in Maine.

Maine Senate race dynamics

Maine's Senate race is critical for Democrats to flip four seats and gain control of the Senate, with Collins as one of the most vulnerable Republican senators.

Jackson's campaign strategy

Jackson has filed his first financial disclosure form with the FEC, showing he outrailed Collins 4-to-1 in the most recent quarter.