Troy Jackson Leads Susan Collins in Maine Senate Race
Democrat Troy Jackson leads incumbent Republican Susan Collins by 4 points following a heated debate over war profits and energy costs.
Democratic candidate Troy Jackson holds a 4-point lead over incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins, according to a Washington Post poll released Friday. The lead follows a heated second debate on Thursday night where the candidates sparred over energy costs, abortion, and the war in Iran. Jackson accused Collins and her husband, Tom Daffron, of profiting from the Iran conflict through stock holdings in Boeing and RTX, a claim Collins called "absolutely outrageous."
Collins countered by accusing Jackson of accepting "Big Tobacco" donations through a PAC he previously led and argued that Jackson's policies contributed to high electricity costs in Maine. Collins also denied reports from ProPublica regarding a pay-to-play scheme, stating the allegations were proven false. The two candidates found rare agreement on increasing Social Security contributions for high earners.
Jackson has gained momentum with endorsements from former President Barack Obama and author Stephen King. Obama highlighted Jackson's background as a logger and his goals to expand abortion access and raise wages. The polling remains tight; while the Washington Post shows Jackson ahead, a New York Times poll from late September placed Collins slightly in the lead. The candidates are scheduled to debate twice more next week, including a final event at the Gracie Theater in Bangor.
