Maine’s 30-year Senate streak ends as Troy Jackson defeats Susan Collins
Democrat Troy Jackson defeated Republican incumbent Susan Collins in Maine’s Senate race, winning 54% of the vote to Collins’ 46%, according to ABC News projections. The victory marks the first time a Democrat has represented Maine in the Senate since 1995.
Democrat Troy Jackson defeated Republican incumbent Susan Collins in Maine’s Senate race, winning 54% of the vote to Collins’ 46%, according to ABC News projections. The victory marks the first time a Democrat has represented Maine in the Senate since 1995.
Key numbers
| Stat | Figure | Date | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson’s vote share | 54% | 2026-11-04 | ABC News |
| Collins’ vote share | 46% | 2026-11-04 | ABC News |
| Jackson’s total votes | 342,661 | 2026-11-04 | ABC News |
| Collins’ total votes | 293,629 | 2026-11-04 | ABC News |
| Collins’ tenure in Senate | 30 years | 2026-11-04 | NPR |
| Federal funds secured by Collins | $1.5 billion | 2026-10 | NBC News |
What happened
Democrat Troy Jackson defeated Republican incumbent Susan Collins in Maine’s Senate race, winning 54% of the vote to Collins’ 46%, according to ABC News projections. The victory marks the first time a Democrat has represented Maine in the Senate since 1995 and ends Collins’ nearly 30-year tenure in Congress.
Jackson’s win was a major coup for Democrats, who now control both the Senate and House. The race was particularly significant because Collins was the only Republican running in a state that former Vice President Kamala Harris won in 2024. Jackson’s victory also highlights the impact of anti-Trump sentiment, as Collins struggled to distance herself from President Donald Trump’s policies despite her past efforts to do so.
Who is affected
Maine voters are directly affected by this shift in representation, as Jackson’s progressive platform promises to prioritize working-class issues, healthcare, and economic concerns that have been exacerbated by policies like the Iran war and trade tensions with Canada.
Nationally, Democrats gain a stronger foothold in Congress, which could influence upcoming legislation, investigations, and policy decisions. Republicans, meanwhile, face a setback in their efforts to maintain control of both chambers.
Jackson secured 54% of the vote, totaling 342,661 votes, while Collins received 46% with 293,629 votes. Collins had previously secured $1.5 billion for 672 projects in Maine over the past five years, a figure she highlighted during the campaign. Jackson, however, argued that Collins’ record of voting with Trump 96% of the time had cost Maine more in economic strain than she could bring in through federal funding.
What to do next
Jackson will now prepare to take office, focusing on his progressive agenda, which includes Medicare for All, abolishing ICE, and addressing economic pressures on Mainers. Collins has not yet commented on her concession but will likely reflect on her 30-year career in Congress.
Democrats in Congress will strategize on how to leverage their new majority, particularly in addressing issues like healthcare, inflation, and foreign policy.
What we know and don’t know
We know Jackson’s victory is final, as ABC News and other outlets have projected the race with 86% of votes reported. However, we don’t yet know how Jackson’s working-class background and progressive platform will translate into legislative success, nor do we have details on how Collins will exit her role or what her post-Senate plans are.
Timeline
- July 2026: Graham Platner, the initial Democratic nominee, withdraws from the race after sexual assault allegations. Troy Jackson enters the race as the Democratic nominee.
- November 3, 2026: Voting takes place in Maine’s Senate race.
- November 4, 2026 (early morning): ABC News projects Jackson as the winner with 54% of the vote.
- November 4, 2026: Susan Collins concedes the race to Troy Jackson.
Why it matters
This victory shifts Maine’s political landscape, ending decades of Republican dominance in the Senate. It also signals a broader rejection of Trump-aligned policies, as Collins’ loss follows a wave of Democratic gains across the country. For Maine, it means a new voice in Congress that may prioritize progressive policies and economic relief for working families.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Troy Jackson?
Troy Jackson is a fifth-generation logger and former state Senate president from Maine who ran on a progressive populist platform. He entered the Senate race after Graham Platner withdrew due to sexual assault allegations and has deep ties to Maine’s labor movement.
Why did Susan Collins lose?
Collins lost despite her long tenure in office and federal funding record due to strong anti-Trump sentiment. Voters cited her 96% alignment with Trump’s policies as a key factor in her defeat, particularly regarding economic pressures like the Iran war and trade tensions with Canada.
What does Jackson’s win mean for Maine?
Jackson’s win means Maine will have its first Democratic Senator since 1995. His progressive agenda could lead to policy shifts on healthcare, labor rights, and economic relief, addressing concerns that Collins’ record failed to alleviate.
How did Jackson’s late entry into the race help him?
Jackson’s late entry allowed him to capitalize on Platner’s anti-establishment momentum and pivot to a progressive platform. His working-class background and ties to Maine’s labor movement resonated with voters frustrated by Collins’ alignment with Trump’s policies.
What is Jackson’s legislative agenda?
Jackson has pledged to support Medicare for All, abolish ICE, and address economic pressures like healthcare costs and trade tensions. His focus on working-class issues aligns with Maine’s economic struggles, particularly in rural areas.
How did Collins campaign?
Collins campaigned on her record of securing federal funding for Maine and her independent stance on some issues. However, she struggled to distance herself from Trump’s policies, which voters saw as harmful to Maine’s economy.
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Sources
- Election 2026 live results: Dems take back Congress, El-Sayed wins Senate seat in Michigan — abcnews.com, 2026-11-04
- Troy Jackson wins Maine Senate race over Susan Collins, in major coup for Democrats — mainepublic.org, 2026-11-04
- Troy Jackson defeats GOP Sen. Susan Collins in Maine, padding Democrats' majority — nbcwashington.com, 2026-11-04
- Democrat Troy Jackson unseats Republican Senator Susan Collins in Maine — aljazeera.com
- Jackson wins Senate race, ending Collins' Maine reign | Opinion — indystar.com, 2026-11-04
- Midterm election 2026 live results: Dems take back Congress, El-Sayed wins Senate seat in Michigan — abc7chicago.com, 2026-11-04