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Last Republican incumbent senator in a Democratic-leaning state fights for survival
Reuters • • nation
Key Points:
- Republican Senator Susan Collins is in a tight race against Democrat Troy Jackson in Maine, a Democratic-leaning state, with the election potentially influencing control of the U.S. Senate.
- Collins, known for her moderate and independent stance, emphasizes her seniority and success in securing nearly $1.5 billion in earmarks to benefit Maine, including tariff exemptions and healthcare funding, to counter Jackson's criticism of her alignment with Trump.
- Jackson campaigns on a populist platform advocating universal healthcare and higher taxes on the wealthy, criticizing Collins for supporting Trump-era policies that he argues have harmed Maine's economy and residents.
- The race has seen intense advertising spending estimated at $199 million, targeting a shrinking pool of undecided voters amid increasingly polarized partisan lines.
- Some traditional Collins supporters express disillusionment with the Republican Party under Trump, with a few switching support to Jackson despite previous backing of Collins.
