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Jackson enters 100-day sprint with Collins as Maine Democrats hit reset
Maine Democrats have chosen former state Senate president Troy Jackson as their nominee to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins, beginning a campaign with only about 100 days until the November election. The race matters nationally because Democrats see Collins’s seat as a crucial opportunity to gain the Senate seats needed for a majority.
Jackson replaces Graham Platner, whose campaign ended amid controversy, and must rapidly raise funds and build a statewide operation. Collins, 73, is seeking another term and has a record of outperforming expectations, although Maine voted for Kamala Harris in 2024; an early poll put Jackson ahead 49% to 46%.
In short
- Jackson becomes Democrats’ late Senate nominee against Collins.
- Democrats see Maine as pivotal to winning the Senate.
- The campaign has roughly 100 days until election day.
Explained simply
Maine holds a US Senate election in November. Troy Jackson, a former state Senate president, is the Democratic nominee challenging Republican incumbent Susan Collins. This race matters nationally because Democrats view it as a key opportunity to win the Senate seats they need for a majority.
Susan Collins is 73 years old and seeking another term. She has outperformed other Republican candidates in Maine throughout her political career. Maine voters supported Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, which suggests the state leans Democratic.
Jackson took over the Democratic nomination after the previous candidate, Graham Platner, withdrew following controversy. This means Jackson must rapidly raise funds and build the statewide network of staff and volunteers that candidates typically develop over longer periods.