Polls Show Tight Senate and Gubernatorial Races in Maine
Democratic challenger Troy Jackson holds a slim lead over Republican Senator Susan Collins in a toss-up Senate race one week before Maine's midterm elections.
Recent polling indicates highly competitive contests for the U.S. Senate and the governorship in Maine ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. A Marist University poll of registered voters shows Democratic challenger Troy Jackson leading incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins 49% to 47%, a margin that falls within the survey's 6.6 percentage point margin of error. This result aligns with data from Fox News and Suffolk University, as well as toss-up ratings from the Cook Political Report.
Jackson, a former state senator and logger, entered the race as a replacement for Graham Platner, who withdrew following sexual assault allegations. While Jackson has gained support from over 60 former diplomats, 58% of Marist respondents still believe Collins will win her sixth term. If re-elected, Collins would become the longest-serving U.S. senator in the state's history.
In the race to replace Governor Janet Mills, Democrat Hannah Pingree and Republican Bobby Charles are tied at 44% support, with independent Rick Bennett at 6%. This represents a significant gain for Charles, who previously trailed by double digits. However, a separate poll by Echelon Insights and NetChoice shows Pingree leading Charles 51% to 38% among early voters.
Data suggests Republican candidates are struggling due to the unpopularity of President Donald Trump in Maine. Between 57% and 62% of respondents express unhappiness with Trump's second term, and 41% of likely voters report they are casting their ballots specifically against the president.
