Troy Jackson enters Maine Senate race against Susan Collins
Why it matters: Democrats need a pickup in Maine to help retake the Senate, but Jackson must cut into Collins' support with women and independents.
Maine Democrats have elevated former state Senate leader Troy Jackson as their nominee to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins in one of the races that could shape control of the chamber in November. Jackson, a 58-year-old logger from Allagash in Aroostook County, replaced Graham Platner after Platner suspended his campaign over a sexual assault allegation he denied. Collins, a five-term incumbent, enters the race with a durable statewide base and a history of surviving difficult contests. Democrats see Maine as a prime pickup chance because Collins is the only Republican senator on the ballot from a state Donald Trump lost in 2024. Women made up nearly 60% of Maine turnout in 2020, and winning them again could be decisive.