Key facts
- Collins is the only Republican incumbent running in a Democratic-leaning state.
- Democrats need a net gain of four seats to control the Senate.
- Collins has secured nearly $1.5 billion in earmarks since 2021.
- AdImpact estimates $199 million will be spent on the race.
Republican Senator Susan Collins is facing a tough reelection battle in Maine, a state that has trended Democratic, against challenger Troy Jackson. Collins, the only Republican incumbent running in such a state, is emphasizing her seniority and ability to secure federal funding and exemptions from Trump-era policies for Maine. Jackson, a former logger, is campaigning on a populist agenda and criticizing Collins for her alignment with President Donald Trump.
Strategists note that the pool of independent voters who previously supported Collins has shrunk due to increased partisan polarization. The race is seen as crucial for determining control of the US Senate, with Democrats needing to gain four seats. Collins has highlighted projects she has funded, including infrastructure improvements and aid for agricultural sectors, while Jackson argues these efforts are insufficient to offset the negative impacts of Trump's policies and trade wars.