Women voters are expected to be decisive in Maine’s closely watched US Senate contest, where Republican incumbent Susan Collins faces Democrat Troy Jackson. The race matters nationally because Democrats see Collins’s seat as important to their chances of regaining control of the Senate, while her campaign depends on retaining support from independent and moderate voters.

Jackson became the Democratic nominee after Graham Platner withdrew amid allegations concerning his past behaviour towards women, placing added focus on whether the party’s replacement candidate can rebuild trust. Collins, who has represented Maine since 1997 and is seeking a sixth term, has also faced criticism from some women over her record on abortion and judicial nominations; both candidates must therefore compete for a crucial bloc beyond their parties’ core supporters.