Democratic challenger Troy Jackson defeated incumbent Susan Collins in the 2026 Maine Senate election, ending her nearly three-decade career. The Associated Press called the race at 1:02 a.m. Wednesday, marking a pivotal moment in the Democratic party’s successful campaign to secure a Senate majority.
A Transition of Power
Collins conceded the election shortly before the race was officially called, issuing a statement to her supporters. Collins, who was seeking a sixth term, had served as the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, a key leadership position she touted as essential for bringing federal funds to Maine.
I called Troy Jackson tonight to congratulate him and to assure him that my staff and I will work to ensure a smooth transition. It has been the honor of my life to serve the people of Maine in the United States Senate.
Susan Collins, Republican incumbent Sen.
The transition follows a campaign that saw Collins face scrutiny unparalleled in her 30-year career. Despite her history of winning in a state that consistently leans toward Democrats, the political environment proved challenging this cycle. Collins disclosed in 2026 that she lives with a benign essential tremor, which she maintained did not interfere with her ability to perform her duties.
The Campaign for Senate
Jackson, a fifth-generation logger, quickly pivoted to a platform focused on working-class issues.
Jackson’s campaign was characterized by a focus on economic struggles and a critique of the political establishment. During a campaign event, he emphasized his background to connect with voters, telling them he understands the reality of sitting at a table wondering how to pay the next bill. Throughout the fall, Jackson’s campaign material frequently utilized the phrase, You can’t eat road salt,
in response to debates over infrastructure and government spending.
Troy Jackson wrote on social media that he owed Maine everything and would never forget where he came from or who he was fighting for.
Shifting Political Winds
The race was heavily influenced by national political headwinds. While Collins often presented herself as a moderate who broke ranks with her party—notably voting to convict Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial and opposing the repeal of the Affordable Care Act in 2017—critics argued her record had shifted.
A significant point of contention was Collins’s 2018 vote to confirm Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Wade. In the final weeks of the race, Jackson led in polling, with many voters citing concerns over rising costs and the direction of the country.
[Jackson] is going to be an automatic vote for the Democratic position no matter what. We have lost a lot of the centrists, and one of the reasons is we need people who will work across party lines.
Susan Collins, Republican incumbent Sen.
Collins Secures Millions for Local Infrastructure Projects
A central pillar of Collins’s reelection strategy was her success in securing congressionally directed spending. In the Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations bill, she secured more than $428 million for 158 projects. Supporters, such as those involved in local infrastructure, expressed concern regarding the loss of her seniority. For example, North Lakes Fire and Rescue received roughly $3 million for a new station through her efforts.
However, the influence of these funds on voters was debated. Some observers noted that Maine’s industrial history, such as the shipbuilding at Bath Iron Works, predates Collins’s time in Congress. Other stakeholders felt that the national political climate outweighed the impact of individual appropriations. Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline eventually backed Jackson, citing a need for different moral leadership.
As the election results became clear, Jackson delivered a message emphasizing grassroots discontent and his trade union roots. For many voters, the decision to support Jackson was a desire for a change in the state’s representation after three decades of Collins’s seniority. Jackson is set to join the Senate, marking the first time a Democrat has represented Maine in the Senate since 1995.