Troy Jackson leads Susan Collins by 6 points in final NYT/Press Herald/Siena poll

Key Points:

• Democratic nominee Troy Jackson leads Republican Sen. Susan Collins by six points in a new New York Times/Portland Press Herald/Siena poll, marking a significant shift from a dead heat in September where Collins held a three-point lead.
• Jackson now has stronger support among unenrolled (independent) voters at 52% compared to Collins' 41%, reversing the previous tie among independents, and also garners more crossover support from Republicans than Collins does from Democrats.
• Voters trust Jackson slightly more on the cost of living, the top issue, while Collins holds a slight edge on immigration; Collins' favorability has declined to 48% favorable versus 49% unfavorable, whereas Jackson's favorability has risen modestly.
• The Iran war and its economic impacts have been central campaign issues, with Jackson trusted more on foreign policy; both candidates have sparred over trade and tariffs, reflecting Maine's economic ties with Canada and fuel costs.
• The race has been highly expensive and competitive, with nearly $50 million raised by campaigns and $150 million spent by outside groups, and the outcome may require ranked-choice voting if no candidate surpasses 50% on election night.