Last Update: 10/27/2026 at 6:01 AM EST

2026 Maine Senate race

Coverage from Bangor Daily News, Politico, and others

2026 Maine Senate race topic image

The 2026 Maine Senate race is the contest between Republican Susan Collins and Democratic nominee Troy Jackson.

Its campaign has featured debate and town-hall planning, field organizing, and substantial spending by candidate-aligned and outside groups. Advertising and public arguments have focused on healthcare and Medicaid, abortion rights, energy costs, and candidates’ records and character. These issues, along with national party involvement, matter here as parts of the competition for Maine’s Senate seat.

Key Articles4 of 137 articles

If you read one thing

It gives a broad, quantified overview of outside groups’ negative advertising and the spending imbalance shaping the race.

News Center Maine

Best explainer

It explains the family-focused radio ad controversy and the tension between Collins’s public response and her earlier remarks.

Yahoo News / Michael Katz

The evidence

It covers a distinct Collins campaign ad built around Jackson’s debate remark, extending the picture beyond the radio ad dispute.

The New York Times

The evidence

It adds context on how affordability claims and disputed figures also feature in the campaigns’ attack advertising.

The Portland Press Herald / Ethan Horton
Key Issues

Republican-aligned spending advantage

Advertising spending has exceeded $260 million, with estimates putting Republican-aligned groups about $40 million ahead overall. Democratic-aligned groups have also spent heavily, but the reported aggregate advantage remains on the Republican side.

Stable

Drawn from 3 articles

Negative advertising dominates the ad war

Negative spots account for a very large share of broadcast spending, and more than $54 million had been spent or committed to negative ads by October 20. Outside groups funded nearly all of the costliest ads reviewed.

Stable

Drawn from 3 articles

Affordability and policy records remain message battlegrounds

Campaigns and aligned groups use household costs—including electricity, taxes, and healthcare—to define the candidates and attack their records. Fact-checking has identified selective or misleading claims, making the accuracy of those arguments part of the contest.

Stable

Drawn from 3 articles

Personal attacks are a prominent late-campaign fault line

Campaign messaging has put candidates’ personal conduct and family details at the center of disputes: a Republican-aligned super PAC’s radio ad targeting Jackson’s family drew Collins’s public call for removal, while Collins’s campaign used a debate remark to portray Jackson as disrespectful toward women. Jackson’s campaign and allies have criticized the spots as personal attacks.

Drawn from 5 articles

Key Numbers

$11 million USD

cash on hand

Susan Collins campaign · end of the second quarter

“Collins had $11 million cash on hand at the end of the second quarter, covering April 1 through June 30.”

Maine Morning Star and 1 other article

$16.5 million USD

Jackson campaign spending

end of September

“Jackson spent $16.5 million and had $4 million on hand at the end of September, along with roughly $1 million in debt to a vendor. Collins raised $5.2 million and spent $10.9 million over the same quarter, ending it with $5.4 million and no debt.”

Bangor Daily News and 1 other article

$20.4 million USD

Jackson's fundraising in his first three months in the race

first three months in the U.S. Senate race

“Democrat Troy Jackson raised $20.4 million in his first three months in the U.S. Senate race, four times what Republican Sen. Susan Collins brought in, but he spent it in a furious ramp-up and entered October with less cash than the incumbent.”

Bangor Daily News and 1 other article

approximately 15,000 volunteers

volunteers claimed by Graham Platner’s campaign

before Platner’s withdrawal

“More than 1,000 Mainers joined Jackson at the Maine Democratic Party’s volunteer kickoff in August, though that was substantially fewer than the approximately 15,000 volunteers Platner’s campaign said it had before his withdrawal.”

Maine Morning Star and 1 other article

$28.7 million USD

spending by Republican-backed groups on the ads

the 25 most expensive negative ads

“Thirteen of the 25 most expensive ads were from Democratic-aligned groups attacking Collins, and 12 were from Republican-aligned groups attacking Jackson. Republican-backed groups spent $28.7 million on the ads, compared with $25.8 million from Democratic-backed groups.”

News Center Maine and 1 other article

Looking Back
97 Day Timeline
Jul 21Aug 11Aug 25Sep 15Sep 29Oct 20
The Story So Far
No material change

New reporting adds detail about the scale of outside-group ad spending and a mistaken ad placement, but does not materially change the race's established state.

Previously

In the final weeks of Maine's 2026 Senate race, Susan Collins and Troy Jackson are using attack advertising to define each other's character and political consequences. A Senate Leadership Fund radio ad targeting Jackson's family became a prominent dispute after Collins called for its removal while denying involvement. Collins's campaign also used a debate exchange against Jackson, while Jackson framed Collins's reelection as a vote for Republican control under Donald Trump. Polling reports show a close contest, though individual surveys and forecasts differ.

History
10/27/2026

The story now emphasizes the extraordinary scale of campaign advertising, with estimates near $259 million and negative ads dominating recent broadcast spending. The close polling picture remains unchanged.

10/25/2026

The story has shifted from campaign spending and fundraising toward late-stage attacks over personal conduct and family, alongside Jackson's framing of the race as a referendum on Senate control.

All Articles137 articles
Important89 articles · CI Score 60 and above
Bangor Daily News / Benjamin Kail
During the 2026 Maine Senate campaign, Democratic nominee Troy Jackson is challenging Republican incumbent Susan Collins over Iran, Israel, Canada, and their economic effects on Maine voters.
8/5/2026 • Issues & Policy Debates • General
Politico / Sophie Gardner
Troy Jackson is positioning Medicare for All and prescription drug cost cuts at the center of the 2026 Maine Senate challenge to Susan Collins as primary rivals withdraw.
7/21/2026 • Issues & Policy Debates • General
The Portland Press Herald / Randy Billings
In Maine's 2026 Senate race, Democratic nominee Troy Jackson supports Medicare for All while Republican Senator Susan Collins's campaign opposes the proposal over costs and taxes.
8/13/2026 • Issues & Policy Debates • General
WGME
Susan Collins and Troy Jackson are attacking each other's tax and governing records while debating affordability policies in Portland, Maine, ahead of the November 2026 Senate election.
9/10/2026 • Issues & Policy Debates • General
Bangor Daily News / Michael Shepherd
On October 19, 2026, Republican Susan Collins, Democrat Troy Jackson, and allied groups escalated negative television advertising in Maine's U.S. Senate race, while Jackson held a narrow lead.
10/20/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
The Maine Monitor / Michael Shepherd
The Senate Leadership Fund is attacking Democratic nominee Troy Jackson in Maine's 2026 Senate race over Jackson's 2009 vote for a repealed state tax overhaul.
9/16/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
PolitiFact / Amy Sherman
WinSenate aired a Maine Senate campaign advertisement in 2026 claiming Troy Jackson expanded Medicaid and Susan Collins cast the deciding vote for Medicaid cuts, but PolitiFact found both claims misleading.
9/14/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Centralmaine.com / Ethan Horton
Susan Collins launched television attacks against Troy Jackson in Maine on September 1, 2025, arguing Jackson's legislative record worsened property taxes and electricity costs.
9/9/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
The Portland Press Herald / Ethan Horton
Susan Collins launched television attack ads against Troy Jackson in Maine on September 1, 2026, framing property taxes and electricity costs as central Senate race issues.
9/9/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Bangor Daily News
Pine Tree Results PAC and Democratic-aligned groups launched disputed attack ads in Maine on Wednesday over Troy Jackson's Social Security position and Susan Collins' healthcare votes.
8/19/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Washington Examiner / Mia Cathell
Government That Works PAC spent $1.624 million on advertising supporting Troy Jackson and opposing Susan Collins in Maine on July 31 and August 1.
8/10/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
Bangor Daily News
Government That Works PAC began a $1.3 million television advertising campaign supporting Troy Jackson in Maine during the 2026 Senate contest.
8/5/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
Maine Public / Steve Mistler
Government That Works PAC began spending $1.3 million on television advertisements supporting Troy Jackson in Maine's 2026 Senate contest against Susan Collins.
8/4/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
Press Herald / Randy Billings
Troy Jackson launched a seven-figure introductory television advertisement in Maine after winning the Democratic nomination, targeting incumbent Senator Susan Collins ahead of the November 3, 2026 election.
8/3/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Conservative Institute / Daniel Vaughan
Senate Leadership Fund backed a $42 million outside-spending push against Maine nominee Troy Jackson beginning July 25, targeting him after his selection to replace Graham Platner.
7/27/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
Maine Beacon / Andy O'Brien
Susan Collins launched her All Of Maine Bus Tour in August as MaineHealth announced a Damariscotta birthing-center closure amid debate over rural healthcare access.
8/19/2026 • Issues & Policy Debates • General
The Maine Monitor / Matt Junker
Troy Jackson's federal personal financial disclosure and first regular campaign finance report are due October 5 and October 15, respectively, after Maine's early voting begins.
9/8/2026 • Legal & Ethics Developments • General
News Center Maine
Outside groups spent or committed more than $54 million on negative ads against Susan Collins or Troy Jackson through October 20 in Maine's 2026 Senate race.
10/21/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
The Maine Monitor / Matt Junker
Outside groups spent or committed more than $54 million on negative ads by Oct. 20 in the Maine Senate race, where Susan Collins and Troy Jackson debated heating costs.
10/20/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
Knewz / Pratik Sharma
Republican- and Democratic-aligned groups have spent an estimated $259 million on Maine Senate advertising ahead of the November 3, 2026 election, with Republican-aligned spending higher.
10/14/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
The Aegis Alliance / Kyle James Lee
On October 8, Defending Main Street SuperPAC Inc. began mistakenly showing an anti-Troy Jackson ad to viewers in Portland, Oregon, instead of Portland, Maine.
10/13/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
HuffPost / Kevin Robillard
Troy Jackson's campaign released a Senate-control ad in Maine less than two weeks before the November 2026 election, arguing Collins's reelection would give Trump a majority.
10/24/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
La Voce di New York / Filippo Colle
Defending Main Street mistakenly ran a digital attack ad against Troy Jackson in Portland, Oregon, from October 8 through October 11, before redirecting it to Portland, Maine.
10/13/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
WGME
Troy Jackson and Susan Collins contrasted working-class representation, bipartisan governance, ICE funding, and personal allegations during Friday campaign events across Maine.
8/15/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Common Dreams
Troy Jackson criticized Elon Musk in Maine on Sunday after reports that America PAC planned a major field spending operation supporting Susan Collins and other Republicans.
8/3/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
Press Herald / Billy Kobin
Elon Musk's America PAC reportedly plans up to $120 million in Republican Senate spending, including field operations supporting Susan Collins in Maine this fall.
7/31/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
CentralMaine.com / Billy Kobin
Elon Musk's America PAC reportedly plans $100 million to $120 million in Republican Senate spending this fall, including voter outreach for Susan Collins in Maine.
7/31/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
Politico / Adam Wren
Pine Tree Results PAC plans a seven-figure first ad against Troy Jackson in the Maine U.S. Senate race, emphasizing a Jackson-Platner scandal connection.
7/27/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Daily Caller / Anthony Iafrate
The Senate Leadership Fund announced at least $42 million in opposition spending against Troy Jackson on the day Maine Democrats selected Jackson as its new Senate nominee.
7/25/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Yahoo / Kevin Robillard
In the final two weeks before the November 2026 midterm election, Troy Jackson's Maine campaign released an ad arguing Susan Collins's reelection would strengthen Donald Trump's Senate majority.
10/24/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Yahoo News
Troy Jackson is launching his first general-election television advertisement against Susan Collins statewide in Maine next week.
8/1/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
NBC News / Sahil Kapur
Maine Democratic nominee Troy Jackson is launching a statewide general-election television advertisement next week criticizing Republican Senator Susan Collins over economic pressures facing Maine residents.
8/1/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
The Portland Press Herald / Scott Paida
On Aug. 14 in Maine, Senate candidates Troy Jackson and Susan Collins contrasted support for Medicare for All with warnings about taxes, costs, and implementation.
9/16/2026 • Issues & Policy Debates • General
Bangor Daily News / Benjamin Kail
After a Democratic nomination, Troy Jackson in Maine reports 30,000 new donors and $2 million raised while ActBlue highlights early fundraising activity against Susan Collins.
7/28/2026 • Fundraising & Donors • General
Washington Examiner / Claire Carter
Troy Jackson reported $2 million in two days after Maine Democratic Party nomination to face incumbent Sen. Susan Collins, as University of New Hampshire polling shows a close contest.
7/27/2026 • Fundraising & Donors • General
Washington Examiner / Rena Rowe
Troy Jackson has raised 1 million dollars since launching the Maine Democratic Senate bid, consolidating delegate support and pulling ahead in a University of New Hampshire poll.
7/22/2026 • Fundraising & Donors • General
Bangor Daily News / Christopher Burns
Troy Jackson raised $1 million and gained delegate pledges at Maine Democratic county meetings, while a University of New Hampshire poll gave Jackson a slight edge over Susan Collins for the 2026 Senate matchup.
7/22/2026 • Fundraising & Donors • General
Newsmax / Jim Thomas
Troy Jackson reported rapid fundraising momentum after Democratic delegates in Maine pledged support, while a Pine Tree State poll showed a close race versus Susan Collins.
7/22/2026 • Fundraising & Donors • General
Newsmax / Jim Thomas
Troy Jacksons campaign reported rapid fundraising momentum in the 2026 Maine Senate race after delegate selection in Bangor as Susan Collins reported much larger cash and outside spending led.
7/22/2026 • Fundraising & Donors • General
Bangor Daily News / Emma Davis
Troy Jackson is expanding volunteer organizing in Maine on August 26 to challenge Susan Collins amid major Republican financial advantages.
9/4/2026 • Campaign Operations • General
The Portland Press Herald / Randy Billings
Susan Collins launched attack ads against Democratic nominee Troy Jackson this week in Maine, citing Jackson's record on property taxes and electricity costs.
9/3/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Bangor Daily News / Michael Shepherd
Elon Musk's America PAC disclosed $170,000 in printing expenditures supporting Republican Senator Susan Collins in Maine's 2026 Senate race.
9/3/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
Maine Public / Steve Mistler
Republican-aligned groups have outspent Democratic counterparts and reserved twice as much fall broadcast advertising as Troy Jackson builds his 2026 Senate campaign in Maine.
8/19/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
Washington Examiner / Mia Cathell
Troy Jackson is making affordability and tax relief central to his 2026 Maine Senate campaign while opponents scrutinize his support for the state's 2013 tax-increasing budget.
8/18/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Washington Examiner / Rena Rowe
Troy Jackson released a second television advertisement in Maine after securing the Democratic Senate nomination, emphasizing affordability and attacking Susan Collins.
8/13/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
FactCheck.org / D'Angelo Gore
Affordable Maine spent more than $473,000 by August 12, 2025, airing a Maine advertisement that falsely portrayed Susan Collins's procedural vote as support for the law's Medicaid cuts.
8/12/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Axios / Hans Nichols
Pine Tree Results launched a $1.1 million two-week advertising campaign against Troy Jackson over transgender prison policy during Maine's 2026 Senate race.
9/1/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
Maine Morning Star / Emma Davis
Democratic nominee Troy Jackson is expanding volunteer operations across Maine to challenge Republican incumbent Susan Collins' financial and organizational advantage in the 2026 Senate race.
9/3/2026 • Campaign Operations • General
Yahoo News / Michael Katz
On Wednesday in Lewiston, Susan Collins urged the Senate Leadership Fund to withdraw a radio ad targeting Troy Jackson as their 2026 Maine Senate race remained close.
10/23/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Yahoo
Troy Jackson is emphasizing volunteer organizing in Maine during the 2026 Senate campaign as Susan Collins and Republican groups deploy greater financial resources statewide.
9/3/2026 • Campaign Operations • General
Sun Journal / Susan Henderson
Troy Jackson and Susan Collins debated Medicare for All positions during the Maine Senate campaign in Maine, as reported by the Sun Journal on Aug. 14.
9/16/2026 • Issues & Policy Debates • General
WGME
Susan Collins and Troy Jackson are attacking each other's economic records and housing and tax proposals during the 2026 Maine Senate campaign ahead of the November election.
9/10/2026 • Issues & Policy Debates • General
Pen Bay Pilot / Matt Junker of The Maine Monitor
By October 20, outside groups and campaigns had spent or committed more than $54 million to negative ads against Collins or Jackson in Maine's 2026 U.S. Senate race, exceeding the state's winter heating assistance.
10/25/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
NBC Boston / Kimberlee Kruesi and Patrick Whittle
On October 22, 2026, in Lewiston, Susan Collins disavowed a Senate Leadership Fund radio ad attacking Democratic Senate challenger Troy Jackson and called for its removal.
10/22/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Wonderwall
In October 2026, AdImpact estimated that groups supporting Susan Collins and Troy Jackson had spent $259 million on advertising in Maine's Senate race, the nation's highest total per voting-age resident.
10/18/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
Newsday
On Wednesday in Lewiston, Maine, Sen. Susan Collins called for a Senate Leadership Fund radio ad attacking Democratic challenger Troy Jackson to be removed.
10/21/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Bangor Daily News
Elon Musk reportedly plans America PAC spending of up to $120 million across battleground races, including Susan Collins's 2026 Maine Senate campaign.
8/4/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
HuffPost / Kevin Robillard
Less than two weeks before Election Day in Maine, Troy Jackson's campaign released an ad portraying Susan Collins' reelection as a path to Republican Senate control and greater power for Donald Trump.
10/24/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
KPVI
Elon Musk's America PAC spent $170,000 supporting Susan Collins in Maine during the 2026 Senate contest, adding Republican outside spending to a competitive race.
9/14/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
WMTW / Keenan Mills
On Wednesday in Augusta, Susan Collins and Troy Jackson condemned attack ads in Maine's 2026 Senate race, while the Maine Women's Lobby endorsed Jackson.
10/21/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Lewiston Sun Journal / Billy Kobin
Candidates and allied political groups spent or reserved $315 million for political ads across Maine ahead of the Nov. 3, 2026, midterm election, with the Collins-Jackson Senate race drawing the most.
10/17/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
The Daily Beast / Annabella Rosciglione
The Republican Main Street Partnership mistakenly aired an anti-Troy Jackson ad in Portland, Oregon, during the 2026 Maine Senate campaign, then removed it and received a refund.
10/12/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
Raw Story / Alexander Willis
During the 2026 Maine Senate campaign, Defending Main Street spent $20,000 to $25,000 on an anti-Troy Jackson video ad that Google records showed targeted Portland, Oregon, instead of Portland, Maine.
10/12/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
Newser / Bob Cronin
A Republican group supporting Susan Collins mistakenly bought nearly $25,000 in anti-Troy Jackson advertising in Portland, Oregon, before Cross Screen Media refunded the PAC and the ad moved to Maine.
10/12/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
The Intercept / Noah Hurowitz
From October 8 through October 11, Defending Main Street's anti-Troy Jackson digital ad appeared in Oregon and Washington ZIP codes instead of Maine.
10/12/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
Daily Kos / Emily Singer
In the 2026 Maine Senate contest, Republican super PAC Defending Main Street spent up to $25,000 airing a tax attack ad against Troy Jackson in Portland, Oregon, instead of Portland, Maine.
10/12/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
Whatfinger
Susan Collins disputed a Senate Majority PAC ad this week over Medicaid votes and birthing-center closures in Maine ahead of the November 2026 Senate election.
9/30/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Premium News USA / Andrew Mark Miller
A New York Times/Siena poll conducted September 15-22 showed Susan Collins leading Troy Jackson 49% to 46% among likely voters in Maine, while Jackson's campaign ad drew bipartisan criticism.
9/30/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Sun Journal / Victoria Hugo-Vidal
Campaigns and outside political groups are saturating Maine television, radio, and digital platforms with competing Troy Jackson and Susan Collins advertisements during the 2026 Senate race.
9/18/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Western Journal / Nicole Silverio
Pine Tree Results launched a $1.1 million Maine advertising campaign during the 2026 Senate race attacking Troy Jackson over transgender prison housing policy.
9/14/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
WMTW / Amy Sherman
WinSenate released a Maine television ad supporting Troy Jackson that PolitiFact rated Mostly False for claims about Medicaid expansion and Susan Collins' voting record.
9/14/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Washington Examiner / Molly Parks
The Senate Leadership Fund launched a video advertisement in Maine targeting Democratic Senate nominee Troy Jackson over his state legislative tax record during the 2026 Senate contest.
9/11/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Daily Caller / Nicole Silverio
Pine Tree Results launched a $1.1 million attack campaign against Troy Jackson in Maine over his prison housing vote and allegations involving inmate Andrea Balcer.
9/2/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Maine AFL-CIO
Susan Collins released a Maine Senate campaign health care advertisement featuring Steven Michaud, prompting Maine AFL-CIO criticism over hospital lobbying and affordability policies.
8/28/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Americans for Tax Reform / Rachel Loren
Americans for Tax Reform criticized Maine Senate Democratic nominee Troy Jackson in August for supporting removal of the federal payroll tax cap, citing effects on Maine small businesses and workers.
8/20/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
WGME
Maine Democrats launched a Lewiston healthcare-focused tour during the Senate recess, criticizing Susan Collins for supporting procedural advancement of President Donald Trump's bill.
8/7/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
CentralMaine.com / Randy Billings
Troy Jackson launched a seven-figure introductory television advertisement in Maine after becoming the Democratic Senate nominee, targeting incumbent Republican Susan Collins on working-class economic concerns.
8/3/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Yahoo / Kevin Robillard
Troy Jackson's campaign released an ad linking Susan Collins's reelection to Republican Senate control less than two weeks before the 2026 election in Maine.
10/24/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Bangor Daily News / Michael Shepherd
Troy Jackson raised $5.3 million through ActBlue in July after winning Maine's Democratic nomination in Bangor, but Susan Collins held a major reserved-advertising advantage.
8/21/2026 • Fundraising & Donors • General
Gulf Coast News / Kimberlee Kruesi and Patrick Whittle
On Wednesday in Lewiston, Susan Collins called for the Senate Leadership Fund to remove its Maine radio ad attacking Troy Jackson over his family relationship.
10/22/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Daily Kos
Susan Collins and Troy Jackson campaigns, along with outside groups, escalated advertising, debates, and canvassing in Maine during the 2026 Senate race.
9/9/2026 • Campaign Operations • General
Wonderwall / Mukul Sharma
America PAC spent $170,224 on mail advertising for Susan Collins in Maine between August 18 and August 31, according to a Federal Election Commission filing.
9/4/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
WGME2
Susan Collins and Troy Jackson are exchanging increasingly negative television advertisements in the 2026 U.S. Senate race in Maine, focusing on healthcare, Medicaid, personal history, and campaign financing.
8/21/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
WGME
Susan Collins and Troy Jackson escalated television attacks over healthcare, past conduct, and campaign financing in Maine during the 2026 Senate contest.
8/21/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
AFP / Stevie Rosenfeld
Affordable Maine ran a July-August 2026 Maine advertisement accusing Susan Collins of supporting Medicaid cuts, despite Collins opposing the bill's final Senate vote.
8/19/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
The Rothman Report / M.A. Rothman
On October 15, 2026, Maine Senate nominee Troy Jackson filed a report disclosing $20.4 million in fundraising and billionaire contributions, following a debate in Bangor.
10/17/2026 • Fundraising & Donors • General
Bangor Daily News / Michael Shepherd
Troy Jackson reported $20.4 million in first-quarter fundraising in an FEC filing submitted before a Thursday debate in Bangor, Maine, while Susan Collins reported $5.2 million.
10/16/2026 • Fundraising & Donors • General
Lewiston Sun Journal / Randy Billings
On Thursday in Maine, Democratic Senate nominee Troy Jackson announced plans to donate about $15,000 in oil and pharmaceutical lobbyist contributions to four charities.
10/15/2026 • Fundraising & Donors • General
Yahoo News
During the 2026 Maine Senate campaign, records showed Susan Collins had signed overlapping principal-residence pledges for Washington homes while owning a Bangor home, complicating attacks on Troy Jackson.
10/16/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Interesting46 articles · CI Score 45–59
Yahoo News / Matt Junker
Troy Jackson's personal and campaign financial disclosures remain delayed until October 5 and October 15 as Maine voters begin early voting.
9/8/2026 • Fundraising & Donors • General
International Business Times UK / Chelsie Napiza
During the 2026 U.S. Senate contest in Maine, the Senate Leadership Fund aired a country-song radio attack ad targeting Democrat Troy Jackson, and Susan Collins called for its removal.
10/23/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
WGME
The Maine Women's Lobby endorsed Democratic Senate candidate Troy Jackson on Wednesday in Maine, while advocates and former lawmakers criticized a Senate Leadership Fund ad targeting Jackson.
10/22/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
FOX 23 Maine
Former Maine legislators, Portland Mayor Mark Dion and the Maine Women's Lobby backed Troy Jackson and criticized a Senate Leadership Fund ad at a Portland event.
10/22/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Raw Story / Bennito L. Kelty
On Thursday in Lewiston, Sen. Susan Collins called for the Senate Leadership Fund to withdraw its radio ad attacking Democratic challenger Troy Jackson.
10/22/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Bangor Daily News / Michael Shepherd
The Senate Leadership Fund aired a radio attack on Troy Jackson in Maine on Tuesday, two weeks before Election Day, while Susan Collins called for the ad to be removed Wednesday in Lewiston.
10/21/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
VernonReporter
On October 21, 2026, Susan Collins called for a Senate Leadership Fund radio ad targeting Troy Jackson to be removed during a campaign appearance in Lewiston, Maine.
10/21/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
AOL / Patrick Whittle
On Wednesday in Lewiston, Maine, Susan Collins called for a Senate Leadership Fund radio ad attacking Troy Jackson to be removed while denying involvement.
10/21/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
2 News Nevada
On Wednesday in Lewiston, Susan Collins called for the Senate Leadership Fund's radio attack ad against Troy Jackson to be removed while denying involvement.
10/21/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
myMotherLode.com
Senate Leadership Fund ran a personal-attack radio ad targeting Troy Jackson in Maine during the 2026 Senate race, and Susan Collins called for its removal Wednesday in Lewiston.
10/21/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
The Portland Press Herald / Drew Johnson
The Senate Leadership Fund began circulating a 60-second radio ad attacking Troy Jackson on social media Tuesday in the Maine Senate campaign.
10/20/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
The Independent / Kimberlee Kruesi
On Wednesday in Lewiston, Sen. Susan Collins disavowed a Senate Leadership Fund radio ad targeting Troy Jackson and called for the ad's removal.
10/22/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
The Independent / Kimberlee Kruesi
In the 2026 Maine Senate race, Susan Collins called for a Republican super PAC to remove its radio ad attacking Democratic candidate Troy Jackson over his relationship with Lana Pelletier.
10/22/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
The Independent
On Wednesday in Maine, Susan Collins called for a Senate Leadership Fund ad targeting Democratic challenger Troy Jackson over his family relationship to be taken down.
10/21/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Newsweek / Hugh Cameron
During the 2026 Maine Senate campaign, Lana Pelletier criticized Susan Collins and allied groups for family-focused attacks on Troy Jackson in Maine, as polling showed a close race.
10/22/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Associated Press / Kimberlee Kruesi and Patrick Whittle
On Wednesday in Lewiston, Maine, Sen. Susan Collins called for a Senate Leadership Fund radio ad attacking Democratic challenger Troy Jackson to be taken down.
10/21/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
The Boston Globe / Mike Catalini
Susan Collins released an ad in the 2026 Maine Senate race using Troy Jackson's October 15 debate remark to present him as dismissive of Maine women.
10/23/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Bangor Daily News
Susan Collins's campaign is airing an ad in Maine less than two weeks before Election Day, using Troy Jackson's October 15 debate remark to criticize him.
10/23/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
The New York Times
Susan Collins's campaign and the Senate Republicans' campaign arm released an attack ad in Maine during the 2026 Senate race, portraying Democratic opponent Troy Jackson as a bully over a debate remark and reports about his conduct toward colleagues.
10/23/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
WMTW / Bonnie Bishop
Susan Collins and Troy Jackson campaigned Friday in Kittery and Westbrook, Maine, exchanging attacks over labor policy, past allegations, and immigration enforcement before the November Senate election.
8/14/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Centralmaine.com / Randy Billings
On Thursday in Maine, Democratic Senate nominee Troy Jackson announced a roughly $15,000 donation of lobbyist contributions to four assistance organizations before the campaign filing deadline.
10/15/2026 • Fundraising & Donors • General
Time
Troy Jackson raised more than $5.3 million through ActBlue in July after becoming Maine Democrats' Senate nominee, while polls showed a close contest with Susan Collins.
9/20/2026 • Fundraising & Donors • General
WGME
Lana Pelletier criticized a super PAC attack on Troy Jackson's family ties, while Susan Collins addressed campaign attacks in Lewiston on Wednesday morning.
10/22/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
WGME2
Susan Collins and Troy Jackson are exchanging attacks over taxes, housing costs, and governing records in Maine during the 2026 U.S. Senate campaign.
9/10/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Q106.5 / Jordan Verge
Elon Musk's America PAC spent nearly $170,000 on print electioneering targeting Troy Jackson in Maine's 2026 Senate race.
9/8/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
WGME
Susan Collins and Troy Jackson campaigned in Brunswick and Gorham, Maine, two months before Election Day, highlighting affordability, tariffs, immigration, and personal attacks.
9/4/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
WGME
Susan Collins and Troy Jackson campaigned in Brunswick and Gorham, Maine, two months before Election Day, emphasizing affordability, federal policy, trade, and personal-life controversy.
9/4/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Public / Steve Mistler
Elon Musk's super PAC spent nearly $170,000 this week on print electioneering targeting Troy Jackson in Maine, supporting Susan Collins's Senate reelection bid.
9/4/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
WGME
Susan Collins and Troy Jackson campaigned in Brunswick and Gorham, Maine, two months before Election Day, debating affordability, tariffs, federal policy, and personal scrutiny.
9/4/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
WGME
Susan Collins and Troy Jackson campaigned in Brunswick and Gorham, Maine, where affordability, healthcare, immigration enforcement, Canada tariffs, and personal attacks shaped the Senate contest two months before Election Day.
9/4/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Punchbowl News
WinSenate launched a Maine television ad featuring Troy Jackson that attacks Susan Collins over her procedural vote on legislation involving Medicaid and tax policy.
9/4/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
WGME
Susan Collins and Troy Jackson campaigned in Brunswick and Gorham, Maine, two months before Election Day, focusing on affordability, tariffs, healthcare, immigration, and personal attacks.
9/4/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Headtopics
Troy Jackson criticized a Collins-supporting super PAC in Maine for spending more than $1 million on advertisements about transgender prison placement during the 2026 Senate campaign.
9/3/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
WABI
Susan Collins and Troy Jackson are campaigning across Maine less than 70 days before the general election while debating Canadian tariffs, qualifications, and attack advertising.
8/28/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Morning Star / Emma Davis
Troy Jackson raised more than $5.3 million through ActBlue in July after Maine Democrats selected Jackson as the 2026 Senate nominee, while Susan Collins maintained a larger reported cash reserve.
8/21/2026 • Fundraising & Donors • General
Newsweek / Hugh Cameron
Troy Jackson reported $20.4 million in third-quarter fundraising in his first financial filing for the 2026 U.S. Senate race in Maine, while incumbent Susan Collins reported $5.2 million.
10/16/2026 • Fundraising & Donors • General
Yahoo
Troy Jackson raised more than $5.3 million through ActBlue in July after replacing Graham Platner as Maine's Democratic Senate nominee.
8/21/2026 • Fundraising & Donors • General
Sun Journal / Scott Paida
The Senate Leadership Fund aired a radio attack ad targeting Troy Jackson in Maine last week, drawing criticism from Sam Patten over its family-focused message.
10/25/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
The Toronto Star / Kimberlee Kruesi and Patrick Whittle
On Wednesday in Maine, the Senate Leadership Fund aired a radio ad attacking Troy Jackson, prompting Susan Collins to deny involvement and request its removal.
10/21/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Bangor Daily News / Benjamin Kail
Troy Jackson disclosed $138,000 in union consulting income this week in Maine as the Democratic Senate nominee challenging Republican Susan Collins faced scrutiny over labor ties and campaign transparency.
10/8/2026 • Fundraising & Donors • General
Spectrum News
Susan Collins released a Maine Senate campaign ad after an October 15 debate, using Troy Jackson's remark to frame an attack aimed at women voters.
10/23/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
WGME / Julia Simone
Troy Jackson's campaign released its delayed financial report on Thursday in Maine, disclosing large donations as Election Day approached and Susan Collins criticized his transparency.
10/17/2026 • Fundraising & Donors • General
The Portland Press Herald / Randy Billings
On Thursday in Maine, Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Troy Jackson announced he would donate about $15,000 in oil and pharmaceutical lobbyist contributions to four charities before his final debate with Susan Collins.
10/15/2026 • Fundraising & Donors • General
WGME
On Wednesday in Lewiston, Susan Collins responded to Lana Pelletier's criticism of attack ads against Troy Jackson by saying anti-Collins ads have also made personal attacks.
10/22/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
The Maine Wire / Jon Fetherston
National party leaders and outside groups intensified involvement in Maine during August as Susan Collins and Troy Jackson contested a closely divided Senate race.
8/23/2026 • Parties & Political Organizations • General
Yahoo
Between August 19 and 31, Elon Musk's America PAC spent roughly $170,000 supporting Susan Collins and opposing Troy Jackson in Maine's U.S. Senate race.
9/3/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
Additional2 articles · CI Score below 45
Townhall / Amy Curtis
On October 14 in Maine, Susan Collins's campaign criticized Democratic Senate candidate Troy Jackson for not releasing promised finance details before the midnight federal filing deadline.
10/15/2026 • Fundraising & Donors • General
Newsweek
As early voting began in Maine ahead of the November 3, 2026 election, Troy Jackson faced donor-disclosure criticism while polling showed a close Senate contest with Susan Collins.
10/14/2026 • Fundraising & Donors • General