Story perspectives

Republicans Outspend Democrats $128M in Collins-Jackson Race

By Drooid · Oct 14, 2026, 2:41 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Collins Debates Jackson

Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) debated Democratic challenger Troy Jackson in Bangor on Oct. 13, 2026.
Jackson alleged Collins and husband Thomas Daffron profit from the Iran war, a claim Collins called outrageous.
Collins said Jackson’s claim Maine’s electric rates rank fourth nationally was exaggerated, a finding PolitiFact confirmed.
Collins criticized President Donald Trump’s tariffs and said his immigration enforcement needs more oversight.

Summary

Musk Backs Collins

Republican-aligned groups have spent over $128 million on ads, surpassing Democratic groups’ $81 million.
Total projected campaign spending could exceed $400 million and approach $500 million across all platforms.
Senate Leadership Fund pledged over $42 million to oppose Jackson, while Elon Musk’s America PAC backs Collins.
Polymarket prediction market prices Jackson’s victory at about 59 percent, down from 70 percent.

History

Historical Context

2010 Citizens United v. FEC struck down limits on independent corporate and union spending. The ruling drove outside spending from $574 million in 2008 to $3.3 billion in 2020 and birthed super-PACs like the Senate Leadership Fund. In the 2024 Maine Senate race, Republican-aligned groups have poured $128 million into ads, with Elon Musk’s America PAC backing Susan Collins.

1 of 3

Collins Debates Jackson

Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) debated Democratic challenger Troy Jackson in Bangor on Oct. 13, 2026.
Jackson alleged Collins and husband Thomas Daffron profit from the Iran war, a claim Collins called outrageous.
Collins said Jackson’s claim Maine’s electric rates rank fourth nationally was exaggerated, a finding PolitiFact confirmed.
Collins criticized President Donald Trump’s tariffs and said his immigration enforcement needs more oversight.

1 / 3