Story perspectives

Poll Finds Troy Jackson Leading Susan Collins in Maine

9/10/2026

Center

Jackson Leads

A CNN/SSRS poll released on September 6, 2026 shows Democrat Troy Jackson leading Republican Susan Collins in Maine’s U.S. Senate race.
About 70% of likely Maine voters say President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods hurt the state.
The poll of 880 likely voters (Aug 31–Sept 6) gave Jackson 48% and Collins 45%.
71% of Jackson voters oppose Collins, compared with 74% of Collins voters who back her.

Left

Jackson Leads

A CNN/SSRS poll on September 6, 2026 shows Democrat Troy Jackson ahead of Republican Susan Collins in Maine’s Senate race.
Voters are driven by opposition to Collins and widespread anger over the Dobbs decision and President Donald Trump’s policies.
Economy and cost of living are top issues; a two-to-one margin says conditions have worsened.
53% prioritize Senate control; about 70% of Jackson supporters vote mainly to oppose Collins.

Blindspot

The CNN/SSRS poll reported that Maine voters consider the economy and cost of living their top issues, with twice as many saying they are worse off than two years ago.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Left-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Center-leaning coverage.

History

Historical Context

In 2018, incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins narrowly retained her Maine seat, defeating Democrat Sara Gideon by 0.6 percentage points. The race attracted 1.3 million voters, with the Republican Party spending $12 million on advertising, while the Democratic Party raised $9 million. Today's September 2026 CNN/SSRS poll mirrors that tight contest, showing Democrat Troy Jackson leading Collins amid backlash over Trump tariffs and the Dobbs decision. The recurring volatility suggests Maine’s electorate will continue swinging, making Senate control pivotal for both parties in the 2026 midterms.

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Jackson Leads

A CNN/SSRS poll released on September 6, 2026 shows Democrat Troy Jackson leading Republican Susan Collins in Maine’s U.S. Senate race.
About 70% of likely Maine voters say President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods hurt the state.
The poll of 880 likely voters (Aug 31–Sept 6) gave Jackson 48% and Collins 45%.
71% of Jackson voters oppose Collins, compared with 74% of Collins voters who back her.

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