Story perspectives

RealClearPolitics Shows Jackson Tied With Collins in Maine

By Drooid · Oct 14, 2026, 2:46 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Senator Susan Collins and challenger Troy Jackson debated on WABI-TV in Bangor, Maine, on October 13, 2026.
RealClearPolitics average shows Jackson at 48.3 % and Collins at 47.3 %.
Collins, as Senate Appropriations chair, directed over $1.5 billion to nearly 700 Maine projects in five years.
Senator Bernie Sanders campaigned with Jackson in Maine.
Collins joined bipartisan senators opposing President Donald Trump’s plan to import Russian diesel.

History

Historical Context

In the 1994 midterm, Republicans won a 54-seat swing in the House and eight Senate seats, seizing control for the first time since 1952 under Newt Gingrich’s Contract with America. That realignment altered budget priorities and sparked enduring partisan battles over regional funding. Today, the Maine Senate contest between Republican Susan Collins and Democrat Troy Jackson, backed by Bernie Sanders, echoes those budget-conflict dynamics.

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Story summary

Senator Susan Collins and challenger Troy Jackson debated on WABI-TV in Bangor, Maine, on October 13, 2026.
RealClearPolitics average shows Jackson at 48.3 % and Collins at 47.3 %.
Collins, as Senate Appropriations chair, directed over $1.5 billion to nearly 700 Maine projects in five years.
Senator Bernie Sanders campaigned with Jackson in Maine.
Collins joined bipartisan senators opposing President Donald Trump’s plan to import Russian diesel.

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