Democrats are expressing growing confidence that former state Sen. Troy Jackson can unseat Sen. Susan Collins, a Maine Republican, in November — a race that has become central to the party's Senate strategy.
The optimism marks a sharp reversal from July, when Democratic momentum collapsed after primary front-runner Graham Platner suspended his campaign following allegations of sexual assault and rape.
With 33 days left until Election Day, Jackson now holds a narrow lead over Collins in some polls. Maine Democrats quickly unified behind Jackson after Platner's departure, and the fifth-generation logger has emerged as the party's best shot at flipping the seat.
"People aren't really talking about Graham Platner anymore, and they're really talking about the economy, Trump, and whether Susan Collins is still an effective senator for us or not," said state Sen. Joe Baldacci, a Jackson backer.
Jackson's campaign has compressed its timeline — a reality that Vice President Kamala Harris acknowledged in her endorsement of him, drawing a parallel to her own rapid ascent in the 2024 presidential race. Democrats hope Jackson, unburdened by Platner's scandals, can capitalize on anti-incumbent sentiment and frustration with Collins.
Jim Kessler, executive vice president of policy at the center-left Third Way and a former aide to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, said the dynamics favor a challenger. "Voters are looking for something new, and the Collins magic is just going to run out," Kessler said. "Troy Jackson's running a campaign that should be good enough to do it."
Unlike Platner's charismatic, populist appeal, Jackson has pursued a more conventional approach. Baldacci defended the stylistic difference: "There's less pizzazz, but there's more substance, and I think that will count for even more."
The campaign has stumbled in places. A recent video advertisement drew criticism on social media for appearing awkward — it showed Jackson drinking boba tea while responding to a question about Republican spending. When asked about the GOP's $46 million television ad buy, Jackson replied, "The 1 percenters," as images of Collins and Tesla CEO Elon Musk flashed across the screen. Critics called the spot out of touch.
Republicans and some Democrats are now scrutinizing Jackson's extensive political record for vulnerabilities as the general election intensifies. Polls show Jackson leading Collins by roughly half a percentage point in recent surveys, a margin well within the margin of error.
