US midterm elections 2026: Democrat Troy Jackson defeats Susan Collins in Maine Senate race

Democrat Troy Jackson secured a major victory in a highly competitive midterm election after Maine Republican Senator Susan Collins conceded on Tuesday, delivering a key Senate seat to Democrats.

Collins, who was first elected in 1996, had consistently won re-election as a moderate Republican despite Maine not supporting a Republican presidential candidate since 1988. However, economic challenges this year enabled Jackson to win despite entering the race late.

Soaring fuel and home heating oil costs caused by the Iran war hit hard in a rural state with severe winters. Simultaneously, President Trump's trade conflict with Canada hurt key sectors of Maine's economy, including logging, lobstering, tourism, and related industries.


Jackson, a 58-year-old former state Senate president and fifth-generation logger from Allagash, highlighted his working-class background throughout his campaign. He advocated for populist platforms such as universal healthcare, earning endorsements from prominent progressives including Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders.

Jackson's route to the nomination was unconventional. He originally ran for governor, finishing third in the June Democratic primary. Democrats subsequently selected him as their Senate candidate in July after former Marine and oysterman Graham Platner withdrew following rape allegations, which Platner denied.

Heading into the midterms, Republicans held a 53-47 majority in the U.S. Senate, requiring Democrats to gain four net seats to regain control of the chamber.