Maine Democrats pick Troy Jackson to challenge Sen. Susan Collins

Democratic delegates in Maine gathered to select their nominee for November's Senate race against Republican Sen. Susan Collins, choosing former state Senate president Troy Jackson. Jackson has built a reputation within the party for messaging focused on working-class voters and rural economic concerns, and he drew broad support among delegates at the nominating meeting.

Democrats regard Maine as one of their strongest opportunities this cycle to flip a Senate seat from Republican to Democratic control. The state was among the competitive battlegrounds that President Donald Trump lost in the 2024 presidential election, a factor party strategists say makes Collins's seat especially vulnerable heading into the general election.

Collins, a longtime senator known at times for breaking from party lines, has held her seat for decades and built a reputation as an independent voice within her party. The November general election is expected to draw significant national attention given its potential impact on the overall balance of power in the Senate.