Women in Maine may choose the victor in this year’s Senate race
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.
In short
- Women voters could determine Maine’s pivotal Senate race.
- Democrat Troy Jackson replaced scandal-hit candidate Graham Platner.
- Collins seeks a sixth term amid competing criticisms.
Explained simply
Maine elects two senators to the US Senate, which helps make federal laws and approve senior officials and judges. Susan Collins, a Republican, has represented the state since 1997; Troy Jackson is the Democratic challenger.
The contest is part of a wider struggle for control of the Senate, where each state has two seats. Maine voters include independents as well as party supporters, so candidates need to appeal beyond their core bases.
Women are a key group of voters in this race. Abortion policy and the candidates’ records on issues affecting women have drawn attention, while Jackson’s nomination followed the withdrawal of another Democratic candidate after allegations about his past behaviour towards women.