Collins and Jackson neck‑and‑neck as Maine Senate race tightens ahead of first debate

Incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins and Democratic challenger Troy Jackson are locked in a close contest for Maine’s Senate seat, with recent polls showing the margin shifting between a narrow Jackson lead and a slight Collins edge. Jackson entered the race after former nominee Graham Platner withdrew amid a sexual‑assault allegation, and he has been working to raise name recognition against the long‑serving senator.

Collins faces scrutiny after an FBI examination of a claim that she directed federal funds to a defense contractor, which concluded with no finding of wrongdoing. The candidates are set to meet for their first of four debates on Oct. 6, where they will clash over the state’s cost‑of‑living issues, health‑care proposals and foreign‑policy positions.