Democrat Troy Jackson defeats Susan Collins in Maine Senate race

Democrat Troy Jackson defeated longtime Republican Sen. Susan Collins in Maine's U.S. Senate race early Wednesday, capitalizing on President Donald Trump's unpopularity to unseat the incumbent after a late entry into the race. Jackson, 58, a former state Senate president and fifth-generation logger, had just over 100 days to campaign after replacing nominee Graham Platner in July. He focused on economic issues like housing and health care costs, while Collins, 73, touted her independence and seniority as the most vulnerable Senate Republican. Collins, seeking a sixth term, was the only Republican in Congress from New England and had survived previous tough challenges, including a 2020 win. Jackson, from rural Aroostook County, entered politics after a loggers' blockade protest and served nearly 20 years in the state House.