# Susan Collins' 2026 Senate Race Strengthens

> Collins enters 2026 Senate race stronger than 2020 despite national Republican headwinds.
- Title: Susan Collins' 2026 Senate Race Strengthens · Newsweek
- Summary: Collins enters 2026 Senate race stronger than 2020 despite national Republican headwinds. Maine Senator Susan Collins leads 2026 Senate polls with 47.3%…
- Keywords: susan collins, maine senate, troy jackson, democratic primary, republican party, senate elections, maine politics, Susan, Collins', 2026, Senate, Race
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/susan-collins-maine-senate-polls-2020-comparison-12534004
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: susan collins, maine senate, troy jackson, democratic primary, republican party, senate elections, maine politics
## Collins' 2026 Senate Race
Maine Republican Senator Susan Collins enters final weeks of reelection campaign stronger than her 2020 victory.
## National Republican Headwinds
Republicans hold 53-47 Senate majority requiring four Democratic gains to take control.
## 2026 Polling Advantage
RealClearPolitics average shows Jackson at 48.3% versus Collins' 47.3% in October 2026 polls.
## 2020 Polling Context
Collins trailed Sara Gideon by 8.6 points in 2020 with Gideon at 46.4% and Collins at 42.6%.
## Collins' Favorable Ratings
51% of Maine voters view Collins favorably versus 48% unfavorable in September 2026 poll.
## 2020 Favorable Ratings
Collins had 50% favorable and 47% unfavorable ratings in September 2020 poll.
## Collins' Financial Position
Collins raised $26.5 million in 2020 versus Gideon's $68.6 million with $16.2 million in 2025-26 receipts.
## Jackson's Campaign
Troy Jackson, a fifth-generation logger from Allagash, entered race after primary candidate Graham Platner withdrew.
## Platner's Primary Success
Platner led 76% of Democratic primary voters and 51% of general election voters in May 2026 polls.
## Jackson's Campaign Strategy
Jackson focuses on Trump, rural voters and energy prices to challenge Collins' Senate leadership.
## National Risk
Maine rejected Trump in all presidential campaigns with Harris carrying state by 6.9 points in 2024.
## Collins' Advantage
Collins enters closing stretch with stronger polling and financial position than 2020 despite national headwinds.
## Key takeaway

Maine Senator Susan Collins leads 2026 Senate polls with 47.3% support versus 42.6% in 2020, securing a stronger position than her 2020 victory despite national Republican challenges.