Collins’ Democratic Support Collapses as Final Debate Looms
Republican Senator Susan Collins faces a critical threat to her re-election bid in Maine as her support among Democratic voters has plummeted to 5%, according to a Suffolk University poll. While Collins previously relied on crossover voters to win in a blue state, many former supporters are now backing Democrat Troy Jackson due to frustration with her perceived alignment with President Trump and her 2018 vote to confirm Justice Brett Kavanaugh. The race remains tight, with Jackson holding a narrow lead, but Collins’s traditional base of moderate voters is eroding significantly ahead of the final debate.
Key points
- Suffolk University poll shows Collins’ support among Democrats dropped to 5%, down from 13% in 2020 and 39% in 2014.
- Former Collins supporters cite her vote to confirm Justice Kavanaugh and perceived failure to oppose President Trump as reasons for switching to Jackson.
- Jackson holds a narrow 50-46 lead among likely voters in a Washington Post-Schar School poll, though the margin is within sampling error.
- Collins is seeking a sixth term and has highlighted her opposition to Trump on Iran and tariffs, but voters remain skeptical of her effectiveness.
- The fourth and final debate between Collins and Jackson is scheduled for Thursday night, with early voting already underway.
Background
Maine’s Senate race has historically been a battleground for crossover voters, with Collins winning despite the state’s blue presidential leanings. Previous debates focused on abortion rights, tariffs, and immigration funding, with Jackson accusing Collins of enabling ICE through her vote on a $70 billion immigration package. The race is critical for Senate control in the 2026 midterms.
How outlets are covering it
MS NOW emphasizes the collapse of Collins’ crossover voter base, noting that even former supporters describe Jackson as 'lukewarm' but prefer him over Collins due to frustration with Trump. The Portland Press Herald highlights the tight polling and the significance of the final debate, while Axios notes the testy tone of the debates. Outlets agree that Collins’ record of securing federal funding is being outweighed by voter anger over her perceived alignment with unpopular national policies.
Why it matters
The outcome of the Maine Senate race could tip the balance of power in the U.S. Senate. Collins’s loss would mark a significant shift in Maine’s political landscape, ending her 30-year tenure and signaling a broader rejection of moderate Republicans in a national environment dominated by Trump-era policies.
What to watch
The fourth and final debate between Collins and Jackson will take place Thursday night, followed by the November 3 election. Early voting is already underway, and polls show the race remains within the margin of error, making voter turnout and crossover support decisive.
- "Oh, shut up": Maine Senate debate gets testy Axios
- Collins, Jackson trade jabs in final Maine Senate debate: 3 takeaways The Hill
- A Trump Backlash Endangers Susan Collins in the Maine Senate Race The New York Times
- ‘It’s time for a change’: Susan Collins split-ticketers seem to move on MS NOW
- Live updates: Susan Collins and Troy Jackson debate for a final time The Portland Press Herald
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