By Fatma Younis
Democrat Troy Jackson has won Maine's U.S. Senate race, defeating five-term Republican incumbent Susan Collins in one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 midterm elections.
A closely fought and rancorous contest
The race was characterized by mutual accusations of corruption and sharp clashes over living costs in the predominantly rural state, with both candidates targeting voters struggling with soaring fuel and heating oil prices.
Jackson's background and populist platform
Jackson, 58, a lumberjack by trade and former state senate president, ran on progressive economic populism. He sought to dismantle Collins' moderate image by tying her to former President Donald Trump, citing her vote to confirm Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh as enabling the overturning of abortion rights.
Collins' defense of independence and seniority
Collins emphasized her independence and influence as chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, pointing to millions in federal funding she secured for Maine. She argued her experience delivered tangible results and appealed to ticket-splitters who backed Joe Biden in 2020 while re-electing her.
Economic pressures and a compressed campaign
Maine voters faced record-high heating oil costs linked to Trump's conflict with Iran and sweeping tariffs affecting key state industries. The Democratic nominee, Graham Platner, dropped out weeks earlier amid scandal, leaving Jackson just 101 days to mount a Senate campaign after winning a special convention.
Democrats gain a coveted pickup
The victory gives Democrats one of their most sought-after Senate pickups this cycle and ends Collins' nearly three-decade tenure in Washington.
