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2026 Maine Senate
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Last Update: 09/28/2026 at 9:01 AM EST
Jackson’s Working-Class Bid Tests Collins
Coverage from PBS NewsHour, The Maine Wire, and others
Democrat Troy Jackson, selected in July after Graham Platner withdrew, is challenging Republican incumbent Susan Collins for Maine’s U.
S. Senate seat. Jackson emphasizes his northern Maine, logging, and labor background, while Collins highlights her experience, bipartisan record, and federal investments in the state. Polls show a close contest, with some surveys giving each candidate a narrow lead, putting independent and crossover voters and Jackson’s statewide recognition in focus.
Key Articles4 of 161 articles
If you read one thing
It introduces the close polling picture alongside Collins’s structural advantages, giving readers a useful overview of why the race remains competitive.
Best explainer
It explains how Jackson’s late selection after Platner’s exit reshaped the Democratic campaign and its coalition challenges.
Latest development
As a recent Story So Far driver, it details tensions between campaign strategy, fundraising, and grassroots supporters.
The evidence
It grounds scrutiny of Jackson’s credibility in a substantive comparison of the candidates’ family-lobbying ties and the rules governing them.
Key Issues
A genuinely close general election
Recent polls produce narrow, conflicting leads for Jackson and Collins, with reported margins within or near the surveys’ margins of error. The race remains unsettled, leaving turnout and crossover support consequential.
Stable
Collins retains major structural advantages
Collins enters the contest with long incumbency, statewide recognition, a bipartisan reputation, and an established organization. Jackson’s campaign is building statewide reach on a compressed timeline, and the available evidence does not show that those advantages have been overcome.
Stable
Jackson must consolidate and expand the Democratic coalition
Jackson’s path depends on retaining former Platner supporters and progressive voters while reaching beyond his northern Maine base. The late nomination has left little time to build statewide recognition, and reporting describes friction between the campaign’s consultant-led approach and grassroots organizers.
Stable
Jackson faces a continuing credibility test
Jackson’s legislative record, family-lobbying ties, and personal conduct are providing material for sustained scrutiny and campaign attacks. The lobbying issue has drawn substantial advertising, while some personal allegations are disputed or lack a criminal finding.
Stable
Key Numbers
at least $500,000 USD
Planned Parenthood Votes spending on ads
“Democratic ads focus on Collins' Kavanaugh vote and portray her as yielding to Donald Trump. The Democratic-aligned group Affordable Maine has spent nearly $10 million on ads about Collins' support for Trump-appointed judges who oppose abortion. Win Senate, a PAC focused on Collins, has spent $32 million. Planned Parenthood Votes has spent at least $500,000 on ads, including one featuring a woman who regrets voting for Collins because of the Kavanaugh vote.”
48% percent
Jackson supporters whose vote was primarily against Collins
“Roughly six in 10 Jackson supporters said their vote was primarily against Collins, according to a recent Fox News poll, up from 48% when Platner was still in the race.”
35% percent
Collins supporters who said they wanted Roe overturned
“In 2020, 76% of Maine voters in the Senate race said the Supreme Court should not overturn Roe, according to AP VoteCast; that included most Collins voters. Still, 35% of voters who supported Collins said they wanted Roe overturned.”
76% percent
Maine voters in the 2020 Senate race who said the Supreme Court should not overturn Roe
“In 2020, 76% of Maine voters in the Senate race said the Supreme Court should not overturn Roe, according to AP VoteCast; that included most Collins voters. Still, 35% of voters who supported Collins said they wanted Roe overturned.”
46 percent
Jackson support
“A New York Times/Siena College poll conducted with the Portland Press Herald showed the opposite result, with Collins leading 49 percent to 46 percent.”
Looking Back
70 Day Timeline
Jul 20
Aug 1
Aug 11
Aug 23
Sep 4
Sep 14
Sep 26
The Story So Far
New development
Jackson’s consultant-led campaign strains its grassroots coalition
Reporting now documents concrete friction inside Jackson’s campaign: a consultant-led, fundraising- and message-discipline-focused operation has limited former Platner volunteers’ role, while organizers have left and volunteers have objected to guidance on Gaza messaging. The campaign’s challenge of incorporating the grassroots network behind the nomination has thus become an active organizational dispute.
Previously
Troy Jackson is challenging Republican incumbent Susan Collins after replacing Graham Platner as the Democratic nominee in July. August and September polls generally show Jackson with a small lead or the race effectively tied, while Collins retains advantages in name recognition, fundraising, constituent-service claims, and a bipartisan reputation. The contest is increasingly focused on whether Jackson can consolidate Platner supporters, independents, and labor-oriented voters while Collins defines him through his policy positions and political associations.
History
09/21/2026
The story remains broadly stable, but the reason for Platner’s withdrawal is now specified as denied sexual-assault allegations, while polling evidence more clearly places the race within the margin of error. The focus has sharpened on Jackson’s efforts to consolidate Platner’s supporters and expand beyond the Democratic base.
09/19/2026
The contest has entered a more heavily financed advertising phase, with outside groups intensifying attacks over candidate conduct, lobbying ties, judicial confirmations, and policy positions.
All Articles161 articles
Important
Democrat Troy Jackson and Republican Susan Collins are contesting Maine's Nov. 3, 2026, U.S. Senate election, where abortion rights shape campaign appeals despite competing economic concerns.
9/27/2026 • Issues & Policy Debates • General
In the final weeks before Election Day, polls show Republican Susan Collins and Democrat Troy Jackson in a close U.S. Senate contest in Maine.
9/27/2026 • Polling & Race Ratings • General
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
Troy Jackson is challenging Susan Collins in Maine's November 3, 2026, Senate election as Democrats focus on Collins' Kavanaugh vote and abortion rights.
9/27/2026 • Issues & Policy Debates • General
In Maine's 2026 U.S. Senate campaign, Democratic nominee Troy Jackson and Republican Susan Collins are competing for women voters as abortion rights shape campaign messaging.
9/27/2026 • Issues & Policy Debates • General
The Senate Leadership Fund and Democratic campaign groups are highlighting family lobbying ties involving Troy Jackson and Susan Collins during Maine’s 2026 Senate race.
9/8/2026 • Legal & Ethics Developments • General
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
Troy Jackson leads Susan Collins narrowly in several August and September polls of Maine voters, making Maine a key 2026 Senate battleground.
9/14/2026 • Polling & Race Ratings • General
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
Maine Democratic Senate nominee Troy Jackson faced renewed campaign scrutiny in Maine after records disclosed a 1988 assault case and prior temper controversy.
8/13/2026 • Legal & Ethics Developments • General
Maine Democrats nominated Troy Jackson to challenge Susan Collins after Graham Platner's collapse amid scandal, with abortion and working class themes shaping the replacement campaign.
7/24/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson's 2026 Maine Senate campaign is confronting his earlier opposition to foreign logging labor as Jackson now supports immigrants and abolishing ICE.
8/22/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson will challenge Susan Collins in Maine's 2026 Senate race while advocating ICE abolition and immigrant work eligibility despite his earlier opposition to Canadian logging labor.
8/10/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Democratic nominee Troy Jackson is challenging Republican Sen. Susan Collins in Maine's 2026 Senate race, drawing on logging roots in Aroostook County while facing broader statewide viability questions.
8/8/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson is challenging Republican Sen. Susan Collins in Maine's 2026 Senate race, bringing a rural logging background and divided forestry record to the contest.
8/6/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Gov. Janet Mills declined to immediately endorse Democratic Senate nominee Troy Jackson while urging Collins's defeat Tuesday in Dresden, Maine.
7/30/2026 • Endorsements & Surrogates • General
Maine Gov. Janet Mills withheld an immediate endorsement of Democratic Senate nominee Troy Jackson on Tuesday in Dresden while urging voters to defeat Republican incumbent Susan Collins.
7/30/2026 • Endorsements & Surrogates • General
UNH Survey Center polling reported 51% of Graham Platner voters selected Troy Jackson as first choice for replacing him in Maine's 2026 Senate race.
7/29/2026 • Voters & Public Opinion • General
University of New Hampshire polling in Maine shows the 2026 Senate contest between Troy Jackson and Susan Collins in a statistical dead heat as Israel policy rhetoric drives voter division.
7/27/2026 • Voters & Public Opinion • General
A July 21 University of New Hampshire survey shows Troy Jackson tied with Susan Collins, with 18-34 voters and women driving major support in Maine’s 2026 Senate race.
7/23/2026 • Voters & Public Opinion • General
Maine Democratic Party nomination rules restricted independent participation while Jackson refocused messaging on Platner voters to challenge Susan Collins, with reactions from Harwath and other Democrats across Sanford and Biddeford.
7/20/2026 • Voters & Public Opinion • General
Troy Jackson gained momentum as Maine Democrats sought a replacement for Graham Platner ahead of a Senate challenge to Susan Collins.
7/23/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
University of New Hampshire polling published July 21 finds Troy Jackson tied with Sen. Susan Collins in Maine, with major support from voters under 35.
7/23/2026 • Voters & Public Opinion • General
UNH Survey Center polling published in a Fox News Power Rankings context found Troy Jackson leading Susan Collins by three points among likely Maine general-election voters over seven days.
7/22/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Senate Leadership Fund, Troy Jackson, and Susan Collins are escalating a 2026 Maine Senate dispute over family lobbying ties and differing state and federal ethics rules.
9/9/2026 • Legal & Ethics Developments • General
Republican Sen. Susan Collins and Democratic nominee Troy Jackson are facing 2026 Maine Senate attacks over relatives' lobbying and consulting ties in Maine and Washington.
9/8/2026 • Legal & Ethics Developments • General
Recent polls in Maine show Democrat Troy Jackson narrowly leading Republican Senator Susan Collins in the 2026 U.S. Senate contest as the race attracts national attention.
9/14/2026 • Polling & Race Ratings • General
Democratic nominee Troy Jackson will hold public town halls Tuesday in Lewiston and later in Gorham and Jay as he challenges Republican Sen. Susan Collins' debate format and record.
9/1/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Susan Collins accepted four proposed televised debates across Maine on Aug. 27, while Democratic challenger Troy Jackson negotiated formats before early voting begins Oct. 5.
8/28/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
The Bangor Daily News publicized a 1988 Fort Kent police report involving Democratic Senate nominee Troy Jackson, adding scrutiny to Jackson's 2026 challenge against Susan Collins.
8/13/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Republican groups attacked Democratic nominee Troy Jackson in Maine after a 1988 police report surfaced, while Jackson and supporters denied violence and emphasized policy differences with Senator Susan Collins.
8/13/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
The Bangor Daily News reported in 2026 that Troy Jackson's Maine Senate campaign faced scrutiny over a 1988 Fort Kent assault report before Jackson's contest with Susan Collins.
8/13/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson's 2005 votes against proposed sex offense penalties and sex offender residency restrictions are drawing scrutiny in his 2026 Senate campaign against Susan Collins in Maine.
9/17/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Hancock County activists scheduled a Sept. 7 Ellsworth rally featuring Graham Platner, prompting Maine Democrats to warn that renewed controversy could damage Troy Jackson's Senate campaign against Susan Collins.
8/13/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Troy Jackson is emphasizing affordability and Susan Collins' record in his 2026 Maine Senate campaign after replacing Graham Platner.
8/11/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Former Maine legislator Janice Cooper endorsed Troy Jackson as a Democratic challenger to Senator Susan Collins in Maine's 2026 Senate contest, citing Jackson's working-class background and economic message.
8/8/2026 • Endorsements & Surrogates • General
In Maine's 2026 Senate race, linguist Katharina Pabst analyzed Troy Jackson's northern Maine accent and its potential to shape his campaign image against Susan Collins.
8/5/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Democratic Maine Senate nominee Troy Jackson responded in Maine to reports about his relationship with Lana Pelletier while launching his first advertisement criticizing Republican Senator Susan Collins.
8/2/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson faces relationship scrutiny and a Republican eligibility challenge in Maine as his Democratic Senate campaign seeks to defeat Susan Collins in 2026.
7/31/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Gov. Janet Mills criticized Sen. Susan Collins in Portland, Maine, on Tuesday while withholding an endorsement of Democratic nominee Troy Jackson.
7/29/2026 • Endorsements & Surrogates • General
Maine Gov. Janet Mills declined to endorse Democratic Senate nominee Troy Jackson while urging voters to defeat Republican Sen. Susan Collins in Maine's November 2026 election.
7/29/2026 • Endorsements & Surrogates • General
Susan Collins opposed President Donald Trump’s proposed Canadian tariffs, citing Maine-Canada economic ties, as Maine Senate race developments shifted toward Troy Jackson.
7/22/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Republicans targeted Democratic Maine Senate nominee Troy Jackson in Maine over a resurfaced 1988 police record as a Fox News poll showed Jackson narrowly leading Susan Collins.
8/13/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
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
Troy Jackson and Susan Collins agreed in Maine to four televised Senate debates scheduled for October, with the first occurring after early voting begins.
9/5/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson replaced Graham Platner as Maine's Democratic Senate nominee in 2026 and is campaigning statewide against Republican incumbent Susan Collins.
9/10/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
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
Troy Jackson leads Susan Collins narrowly in a CNN poll as the Democratic challenger campaigns across Maine against Collins' crossover appeal and ties to Donald Trump.
9/14/2026 • Voters & Public Opinion • General
Troy Jackson is leading Susan Collins 48% to 45% in a CNN-SSRS poll as labor support, affordability concerns, and opposition to Donald Trump shape Maine's 2026 Senate race.
9/10/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson is campaigning across Maine in 2026 as the Democratic Senate nominee after replacing Graham Platner, emphasizing labor roots and outreach to working-class and disaffected Republican voters.
9/10/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson is leading Susan Collins in several polls in Maine during the 2026 Senate campaign, although many supporters say opposition to Collins drives their votes.
9/7/2026 • Voters & Public Opinion • General
Troy Jackson's Democratic campaign is leading several polls against Susan Collins in Maine, but voters and analysts continue to view the 2026 Senate contest as a referendum on Collins.
9/7/2026 • Voters & Public Opinion • General
Troy Jackson held his first Senate campaign town hall in Lewiston, Maine, seeking to retain Graham Platner's grassroots supporters in the 2026 contest against Susan Collins.
9/3/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson held a Lewiston town hall in Maine as he sought to mobilize Graham Platner's former supporters for his 2026 Senate challenge to Susan Collins.
9/3/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson held a campaign town hall Tuesday in Lewiston, Maine, challenging Senator Susan Collins with a working-class message focused on costs, Trump, and rural voters.
9/2/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Democratic Senate nominee Troy Jackson is holding town halls Tuesday in Lewiston, Thursday in Gorham, and Saturday in Jay while challenging Sen. Susan Collins to join him and answer Maine voters' questions.
9/1/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Democratic strategists are urging Troy Jackson to target suburban and coastal Maine voters statewide in his 2026 challenge to Senator Susan Collins.
8/30/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Susan Collins and Troy Jackson are campaigning across Maine in the 2026 Senate race, where August polling showed a deadlock and six write-in candidates could trigger ranked-choice tabulation.
8/30/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
In Maine's 2026 Senate race, Democratic nominee Troy Jackson must broaden his rural labor message and win more Southern Maine suburban voters to challenge Susan Collins.
8/30/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson appealed to Graham Platner supporters on August 22 in Belfast after replacing Platner as the Democratic nominee in Maine's 2026 Senate race.
8/24/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
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
Susan Collins begins the 2026 Maine Senate campaign with nearly $18.9 million raised after Democrats nominated Troy Jackson following Graham Platner’s withdrawal.
7/25/2026 • Fundraising & Donors • General
During the 2026 Maine Senate race, Troy Jackson's campaign emphasized fundraising and consultant control over public appearances, drawing volunteer criticism over outreach and Gaza messaging.
9/25/2026 • Campaign Operations • General
Troy Jackson held a Lewiston town hall Tuesday as Susan Collins met Bath Iron Works workers in competing Maine Senate campaign events.
9/2/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Inside Elections moved Maine's 2026 Senate race to Toss-up on Sept. 17, placing Republican Senator Susan Collins in a competitive contest with Democrat Troy Jackson in Maine.
9/21/2026 • Polling & Race Ratings • General
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
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
In Maine's 2026 Senate race, Democratic state Senator Troy Jackson narrowly leads Republican Senator Susan Collins in a Fox News poll as Collins faces scrutiny over 2023 votes on workplace and healthcare legislation.
9/8/2026 • Issues & Policy Debates • General
Forecasting organizations rate Senator Susan Collins's 2026 Maine reelection contest against Troy Jackson as a toss-up in Maine, amid growing disagreement over Senate control.
9/18/2026 • Polling & Race Ratings • General
Troy Jackson held his first 2026 Senate campaign town hall Tuesday in Lewiston, Maine, criticizing Susan Collins and presenting a working-class populist message shaped by Graham Platner's influence.
9/2/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Susan Collins agreed to four debates with Troy Jackson in Maine, while Jackson sought town hall formats ahead of early voting beginning October 5.
8/28/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Susan Collins accepted four televised debate invitations for the 2026 Maine Senate race, while Troy Jackson's campaign sought town hall forums with voters across Maine.
8/27/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Susan Collins criticized Democratic candidate Troy Jackson on Friday in Maine over resurfaced 1988 arrest reports as Jackson held a 48 percent to 47 percent polling lead.
8/14/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Republican-aligned groups spent about $41 million supporting Susan Collins against $29 million for Troy Jackson since August in Maine's 2026 Senate race.
9/21/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
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
Democrat Troy Jackson held his first Senate campaign town hall in Lewiston this week, promoting Medicare for All and opposing ICE while leading Susan Collins narrowly in a reported poll.
9/5/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Troy Jackson's northern Maine accent is shaping his working-class campaign image as Democrats' replacement nominee challenges Susan Collins in Maine in November.
8/5/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Maine Gov. Janet Mills criticized Sen. Susan Collins in Portland on Tuesday, calling Collins vulnerable ahead of the 2026 Senate election while withholding an endorsement of Troy Jackson.
7/29/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Troy Jackson entered the Maine Senate general election with targeted criticism of Susan Collins as Republicans launched multiple attack frames against Jackson.
7/27/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
The National Republican Senatorial Committee attacked Democratic Senate nominee Troy Jackson in August after a Bangor Daily News report surfaced a 1988 Fort Kent police account during Jackson's close Maine contest against Sen. Susan Collins.
8/13/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Democratic Senate candidate Troy Jackson exchanged hostile comments with critics on Facebook in Maine, prompting renewed Republican scrutiny of his temperament during the 2026 contest against Susan Collins.
9/21/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Troy Jackson and Susan Collins agreed to four televised Maine Senate debates scheduled for October 6, 8, 13, and 15, 2026, across Maine media outlets.
9/4/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson and Susan Collins will participate in four October Senate debates hosted by Maine media organizations across Maine, beginning October 6.
9/4/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Democrats replaced Graham Platner with Troy Jackson in July in Maine, where Jackson now narrowly leads Republican Senator Susan Collins in early polling.
8/23/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats nominated Troy Jackson after Graham Platner withdrew, positioning Jackson against Republican Senator Susan Collins in the November 2026 Senate election in Maine.
9/9/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Susan Collins will face Troy Jackson in Maine's 2026 Senate election after Graham Platner withdrew, with national analysts rating the contest a toss-up.
9/9/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
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
In Maine's 2026 Senate race, Republican incumbent Susan Collins has made Troy Jackson's family history a campaign issue while Jackson's campaign calls the focus a distraction.
9/5/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
During the 2026 Maine Senate campaign, Susan Collins used reports about Troy Jackson's personal history to intensify Republican criticism of the Democratic challenger.
9/3/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
During the 2026 Maine Senate race, Democrat Troy Jackson held a Lewiston town hall to promote his challenge to Republican Senator Susan Collins.
9/2/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats nominated Troy Jackson at a convention in Maine after Janet Mills declined to lead the field and Graham Platner withdrew before the filing deadline.
9/1/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats are expected to nominate Troy Jackson through a statewide county convention process after Graham Platner's campaign collapsed, positioning Jackson to challenge Senator Susan Collins.
9/1/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson, selected by Maine Democratic delegates after Graham Platner withdrew, has narrowly led Susan Collins in limited polling while campaigning in Belfast and across Maine.
8/23/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
On September 9, CNN found Democratic nominee Troy Jackson leading Republican Senator Susan Collins 48 percent to 45 percent among likely voters in Maine's competitive 2026 Senate race.
9/14/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
With roughly 100 days remaining in Maine's 2026 Senate campaign, Troy Jackson is seeking statewide recognition while challenging Susan Collins's record on Trump, abortion, and bipartisanship.
8/31/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson faces scrutiny in Maine over alleged mortgage and residency inconsistencies as the Democratic nominee challenges Susan Collins in the 2026 Senate election.
9/15/2026 • Legal & Ethics Developments • General
Interesting
Troy Jackson's Maine Senate campaign faced internal conflict in August and September over consultant-led messaging and grassroots organizing as Jackson challenged incumbent Susan Collins statewide.
9/22/2026 • Campaign Operations • General
During the 2026 U.S. Senate campaign in Maine, Democrat Troy Jackson is emphasizing abortion rights and Susan Collins's Kavanaugh vote as he seeks to unseat the Republican senator.
9/27/2026 • Voters & Public Opinion • General
Troy Jackson is repositioning his 2026 Maine Senate campaign away from socialist associations while holding a narrow polling lead over Susan Collins in Maine.
9/21/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Troy Jackson is narrowly leading Susan Collins in cited polling in Maine while reframing his campaign around working-class populism and distancing himself from socialism.
9/21/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Susan Collins agreed Thursday to four fall debates with Troy Jackson in Maine, while Jackson's campaign had not confirmed specific forums after Graham Platner's July withdrawal.
8/27/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Susan Collins and Troy Jackson confronted renewed scrutiny over Jackson's past conduct during Maine's 2026 U.S. Senate campaign.
8/15/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
After ProPublica's investigation the previous week, the Portland Press Herald criticized Susan Collins's response to alleged bribery in Maine's 2026 Senate race.
9/27/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Troy Jackson led Susan Collins among Maine likely voters in a July University of New Hampshire poll while a report examined Jackson's family relationship with Lana M. Pelletier.
7/31/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Susan Collins accepted four televised debate invitations for the 2026 Maine Senate race, while Troy Jackson had not agreed to participate in Maine before the midterm election.
9/4/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson and Susan Collins agreed to four Maine Senate debates in October 2026, hosted by Maine television and news organizations across the state.
9/4/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson and Susan Collins agreed Friday to four Maine Senate debates in October, with proposed events across Maine after early voting begins October 5.
9/4/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Democratic Senate candidate Troy Jackson criticized Maine Senator Susan Collins on Thursday after Collins voted to confirm two judges with anti-abortion records.
9/18/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Susan Collins and Troy Jackson are competing in the 2026 U.S. Senate race in Maine, where split-ticket voting and ranked-choice rules may shape coalition-building.
9/18/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
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
Maine Democrats selected former state Senate president Troy Jackson to challenge Republican incumbent Susan Collins in the 2026 Senate election after Graham Platner withdrew, with major race ratings calling the contest a toss-up.
9/9/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Susan Collins will face Troy Jackson in Maine's 2026 Senate election after Graham Platner's withdrawal, with national race analysts rating the contest a toss-up.
9/9/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats selected former state Senate president Troy Jackson to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins in the 2026 general election after Graham Platner withdrew, leaving a race rated toss-up.
9/9/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Susan Collins and Troy Jackson will compete in Maine's 2026 Senate election, where analysts rate the contest a toss-up after Democratic nominee changes.
9/9/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
During Labor Day weekend in Maine, Troy Jackson expanded public outreach while Susan Collins promoted Senate seniority and federal funding at the Windsor Fair.
9/8/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
On Labor Day in Southern Maine, Democratic Senate nominee Troy Jackson urged union members to vote and outlined a working-class agenda against Republican Senator Susan Collins.
9/7/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
In Maine, Troy Jackson replaced withdrawn candidate Graham Platner in July and now leads Republican Senator Susan Collins by three to four points in recent polls.
9/7/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson campaigned with union members in Portland on Labor Day, promoting higher wages and family medical leave during his shortened 2026 challenge to Senator Susan Collins in Maine.
9/7/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson is building a Democratic campaign against Susan Collins in Maine after Graham Platner withdrew from the 2026 Senate race in late July.
9/7/2026 • Voters & Public Opinion • General
Troy Jackson criticized Susan Collins on Saturday in Wells, Maine, for referencing his family relationship during the 2026 Senate campaign.
9/5/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Troy Jackson criticized Susan Collins in Wells after Collins referenced Jackson's family relationship, intensifying the Maine Senate campaign before four planned October debates.
9/5/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
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
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
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
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
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
During the 2026 Maine Senate campaign, Susan Collins drew attention in Maine by raising Troy Jackson's family relationship while discussing potential vulnerabilities.
9/3/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Troy Jackson held his first 2026 Senate campaign town hall Tuesday in Lewiston, where the older audience highlighted challenges reaching younger Maine voters in the race against Susan Collins.
9/3/2026 • Voters & Public Opinion • General
Susan Collins and Troy Jackson are competing in Maine's 2026 Senate race as Democrats criticize Collins's alignment with Donald Trump during an Augusta campaign event.
9/3/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Susan Collins criticized Democratic opponent Troy Jackson's energy record, political positions, and personal circumstances during a Politico interview in Maine.
9/2/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Democratic Senate nominee Troy Jackson launched a town hall campaign Tuesday in Lewiston, Maine, where organizers excluded Maine Wire reporters despite admitting other media outlets.
9/2/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Troy Jackson and Susan Collins are competing in a closely matched 2026 Maine Senate race, with campaign messaging increasingly focused on candidate records and character controversies.
9/2/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Troy Jackson held a Lewiston, Maine, town hall Tuesday, discussing artificial intelligence and immigration while challenging Senator Susan Collins to debates.
9/1/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson faces renewed scrutiny from Maine Democrats over reported outbursts and conduct toward female colleagues before the party's 2026 Senate nominating convention in Maine.
9/1/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson is emerging as a progressive Democratic contender in Maine for the 2026 Senate race against Republican Susan Collins, after gaining attention among thousands of Maine Democrats.
9/1/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson is facing renewed scrutiny over alleged angry outbursts as Maine Democrats prepare for the party's 2026 Senate nominating convention in Maine.
8/30/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson is poised to become the Democratic challenger to Susan Collins in Maine's 2026 Senate race after Graham Platner withdrew, prompting Republican scrutiny and Democratic concern.
8/30/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
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
Ahead of Maine Democrats' nominating convention, Troy Jackson faces scrutiny over reported angry conduct and leadership concerns in his Senate campaign against Susan Collins.
8/25/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
During the 2026 Maine Senate race, Democrat Troy Jackson replaced Graham Platner and challenged Republican incumbent Susan Collins amid polling gains and Democratic turnout concerns.
8/24/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson is challenging Susan Collins in Maine's November 2026 Senate election while a Republican lawmaker contests Jackson's ballot eligibility.
9/20/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Susan Collins discussed reports about Democratic Senate nominee Troy Jackson's personal history during a Maine campaign appearance, while Jackson's campaign accused Collins of using personal attacks to avoid substantive issues.
9/3/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
In the 2026 Maine Senate race, Democrat Troy Jackson replaced Graham Platner and now leads Republican Senator Susan Collins by three to four points in recent polls.
9/7/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Susan Collins and Troy Jackson are competing in Maine as Republican-aligned groups outspend Democratic-aligned groups during the final weeks before the 2026 election.
9/8/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Susan Collins remains favored in Maine's 2026 Senate contest after Troy Jackson replaced withdrawn Democratic candidate Graham Platner following controversy surrounding Platner's conduct.
8/30/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Democrats replaced Graham Platner with Troy Jackson in Maine's Senate race in late July, leaving Jackson to challenge Susan Collins with substantially less spending before Election Day.
9/8/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
Susan Collins and Democratic nominee Troy Jackson are competing for Maine's Senate seat as major spending and shifting national conditions make the race less certain before Election Day.
9/8/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
Susan Collins and Troy Jackson are competing in Maine's 2026 Senate race, where Collins and aligned super PACs have spent nearly $80 million after Democrats changed nominees.
9/8/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
Susan Collins and Troy Jackson are competing in Maine's 2026 Senate race, where late Democratic nominee replacement and major advertising spending have increased uncertainty before Election Day.
9/8/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
Susan Collins and Troy Jackson are competing in Maine less than two months before Election Day, with Collins-aligned groups holding a large advertising advantage.
9/8/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
In the 2026 Maine Senate contest, Susan Collins holds a major spending advantage over replacement Democratic nominee Troy Jackson less than two months before Election Day.
9/8/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
Susan Collins and aligned super PACs have outspent newly nominated Democrat Troy Jackson in Maine as the 2026 Senate race grows more competitive before Election Day.
9/8/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
Democratic delegates selected Troy Jackson to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins in Maine after Graham Platner left the race, intensifying a closely watched 2026 contest.
9/8/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
The Maine Democratic Party selected Troy Jackson to replace withdrawn nominee Graham Platner, intensifying Susan Collins's 2026 reelection contest in Maine amid unfavorable national conditions for Republicans.
9/7/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson replaced Graham Platner as the Democratic Senate nominee in Maine in July and recently led Republican incumbent Susan Collins by three to four points.
9/7/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson campaigned among union members in Portland, Maine, on Labor Day while challenging Susan Collins in the November 3 Senate election.
9/7/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats selected former state Senator Troy Jackson for the 2026 Senate race after Graham Platner withdrew, leaving Jackson to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins in a toss-up contest.
9/6/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
During the 2026 Maine Senate race, Susan Collins defended her record while Democrats in Augusta criticized her Trump alignment and promoted Troy Jackson.
9/3/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
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
Additional
Troy Jackson won Maine's Democratic Senate nomination in July and will challenge Republican incumbent Susan Collins statewide in the 2026 general election.
9/3/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson campaigned in Portland, Maine, on Labor Day as a Democratic challenger to Senator Susan Collins, emphasizing affordability, healthcare, and labor protections.
9/9/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General