US Midterms: Maine Senate Race

Will a progressive outsider power the Democrats to victory or are Collins' conservative policies still broadly popular?
US Midterms: Maine Senate Race
Above: Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) on July 9, 2025. Image credit: Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Breakthrough T1D

The Spin


Republican narrative

Collins has proven over the years that her centrist, bipartisan approach delivers results for Maine. She is one of the most bipartisan senators and continues to be willing to work across the aisle to solve problems rather than engage in partisan conflict. She has secured federal funding for several Maine priorities, including health care, infrastructure and agriculture. Maine voters shouldn't sacrifice her seniority, which allows Collins to be a leader, including when it comes to appropriations. Collins remaining in the Senate is critical to advancing Mainers' interests in Washington.

Democratic narrative

For those seeking a working-class champion, Jackson fits the bill. Jackson is as Maine as they come — an everyman, not a typical politician or someone designed by a marketing agency. As Maine Senate president, he passed universal free school meals, secured a $60 million childcare investment and won collective bargaining rights for loggers and haulers. Quote plainly, women, children and all other vulnerable communities in Maine need Jackson as their champion in the U.S. Senate. Jackson's ready to fight for working people and flip this seat.


Editor's Note

This story was updated on July 28, 2026 to include Jackson securing the Democratic nomination.
This story was updated on July 16, 2026 to include the date of the Maine Democratic Party's nominating convention.
This story was updated on July 9, 2026, to reflect Platner suspending his campaign for the Democratic nomination.
This story was updated on May 1, 2026 to reflect Mills suspending her campaign for the Democratic nomination.


The Controversies



Go Deeper

© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 7.4.1

© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 7.4.1