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Maine finally saw the “independent” for what she was.
Slate Magazine • • nation
Key Points:
- Susan Collins, who held her Maine Senate seat for 30 years, conceded defeat to Democrat Troy Jackson, marking a significant upset in this election cycle.
- Collins’ 2018 vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, despite his controversial hearings and signals he would overturn Roe v. Wade, is widely seen as a key factor in her loss.
- The 2022 Dobbs ruling, which overturned Roe v. Wade and stripped abortion rights from millions, further fueled voter dissatisfaction with Collins, who expressed no regrets over her Kavanaugh vote.
- Although Collins occasionally voted against her party, her support for Trump-era Republicans conflicted with her moderate, independent image, leading many Maine voters to reject her.
- The Democratic candidate, Troy Jackson, was a less charismatic but acceptable alternative, and Collins’ defeat reflects a broader voter backlash against Republicans and Trump-aligned figures nationwide.
