Poll puts Troy Jackson ahead of Susan Collins in Maine Senate race
In short
Democrat Troy Jackson leads Republican Senator Susan Collins 50% to 46% in a Washington Post-Schar School poll, The Hill reported. Voters preferred Jackson on several issues but gave Collins an advantage on bringing federal money to Maine.
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Democratic challenger Troy Jackson leads Republican Senator Susan Collins in a new Washington Post-Schar School poll of the Maine Senate race. The Hill reported support of 50% for Jackson and 46% for Collins, while The Washington Post described a narrow lead among likely voters. The survey was conducted from September 30 to October 5. [ 1 , 2 ]
The race comes as Collins seeks a sixth term with less than a month until the midterm elections. The Hill said the contest could play a major role in determining control of the Senate, where Republicans hold a 53-seat majority. It also reported that Collins is the only Republican senator seeking reelection this year in a state that backed former Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. [ 2 ]
The poll found voters preferred Jackson on several issues, while favouring Collins's ability to steer federal dollars to Maine. The Hill said Jackson held advantages on the economy, healthcare, abortion and government corruption. Collins had a 24-point advantage on bringing federal money to the state, and voters also preferred her approach to bipartisanship. Collins chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee and has emphasised federal funding and working across party lines to appeal to independent voters. [ 1 , 2 ]
The Hill reported that President Trump's approval rating among Maine voters stood at 36%. It said 58% of respondents believed Collins was too supportive of Trump in the Senate. The poll found that 51% viewed Collins unfavourably, compared with 43% for Jackson. Affordability emerged as the leading concern among Maine voters, according to the report. [ 2 ]
Why it matters
The Hill reports that the contest could help determine control of the Senate, where Republicans hold 53 seats. Collins is seeking a sixth term with less than a month until the midterm elections.
Key facts
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- The supplied coverage does not establish whether Jackson's lead exceeds the poll's margin of error. The documents do not provide the margin of error or sample size.
- The details of the diverging polls mentioned by The New York Times are unavailable. Its supplied headline mentions diverging polls, but the summary describes supporters waiting before a debate.