As Susan Collins goes for a sixth term, Maine Democrats worry she’s a ‘Teflon candidate’

October 8, 2026

Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine is facing her most challenging reelection campaign yet as she seeks a sixth term against Democratic opponent Troy Jackson, the former Maine Senate president. While Collins has historically won in this blue-leaning state by cultivating a moderate image and delivering federal funding, Jackson is focusing his campaign on her 2018 vote to confirm Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who later voted to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Who is affected

Senator Susan Collins (Republican incumbent seeking sixth term)
Troy Jackson (Democratic challenger and former Maine Senate president)
Graham Platner (previous Democratic nominee who dropped out after sexual assault allegations)
Democratic women voters in Maine who have historically split tickets to vote for Collins
Justice Brett Kavanaugh (whose confirmation vote is central to the campaign)
Maine residents affected by tariffs and cost of living increases
Planned Parenthood New England and abortion rights advocates
Voters including Faith Woodland, Lisa Sabatine, Margaret Craven, Eileen Coyne, Chris Holden, and Debora Houdek (mentioned supporters/concerned citizens)
President Donald Trump (whose approval ratings and policies impact the race)
Maine Democratic Party and campaign volunteers
National Republican Senatorial Committee

What action is being taken

Jackson is making abortion central to his campaign case against Collins
Outside groups like Planned Parenthood Votes are spending money and running ads focused on abortion in Maine
Lisa Sabatine is organizing and canvassing with People Power Maine
Debora Houdek is canvassing and volunteering for Jackson
Campaign staffers are wearing T-shirts with phrases like "Solidarity" and "Kicking Ass for the Working Class" at Jackson's events
Collins is highlighting legislation she's passed and federal funding she's secured for Maine projects
Both candidates are conducting debates (their first debate occurred on Tuesday)

Why it matters

This race represents a critical test of whether a long-serving moderate Republican can survive in a blue state amid heightened national polarization and the backlash to the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade. Collins' vote to confirm Kavanaugh, which she justified based on his assurances that Roe was "settled law," has become a defining issue that could undermine her carefully cultivated moderate image and her appeal to Democratic women voters who previously crossed party lines to support her. The outcome will determine whether concerns over abortion rights, combined with economic anxiety and dissatisfaction with Trump's policies, can overcome Maine's independent political culture and Collins' advantages of seniority, experience, and ability to deliver federal funding to the state.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The 19th