Collins Warns Maine Will 'Lose Out Big Time' If Rival Wins Senate Seat

Republican Sen. Susan Collins has warned that Maine could lose critical federal funding if voters elect her Democratic challenger, Troy Jackson, as a recent poll indicates the two candidates are statistically tied. The Suffolk University poll, conducted Oct. 8-11, showed Jackson leading Collins 49%-47% among likely voters, a margin within the survey's error. This close contest is considered a key opportunity for Democrats aiming to regain the Senate majority in the upcoming midterm elections.

The race is rated as a toss-up by the Fox News Power Rankings and leading nonpartisan political handicappers.

"Maine voters lose out big time if Troy Jackson were to be elected," Collins stated in an interview with Fox News Digital. Collins, seeking her sixth term, emphasized her experience and role as chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee as crucial for securing federal funding for Maine. She argued that Jackson, with limited seniority, would be unable to deliver similar benefits to the state.

Jackson, however, has contended that Collins has not adequately used her position to address rising costs of energy, food, and housing for Maine families. "Sen. Collins has told us how powerful she is," Jackson said during a prior debate. "But power means nothing if you won't use it when the people may need it."

Democrats, including Jackson, have sought to tie Collins to former President Donald Trump, citing his declining approval ratings. "That's the choice on this stage — a senator who helps Donald Trump hurt Maine then tells us how concerned she is, or somebody who will stand up against him before another family in Maine has to pay the price," Jackson remarked during a recent debate.

Collins, known for her moderate Republican stance, has also faced criticism for her past votes, including the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and her support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) funding. However, Collins has also broken with Trump on several issues, including his trade policies and a legislative confirmation.

"Troy and Chuck Schumer and their allies run ads saying that I'm somehow a puppet of the president. Believe me, that would come as a huge surprise to President Trump," Collins told Fox News Digital. She cited instances where she opposed Trump's actions, such as a deal with Vladimir Putin regarding sanctions and a legislative bill that included Medicaid cuts.

Collins received an endorsement from the Maine chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police, highlighting her efforts to secure funding for law enforcement. "I've secured funding for projects throughout Maine, $46 million to help our police and sheriff's departments upgrade their equipment, facilities, and communications," Collins said.

Collins also raised questions about Jackson's past associations, noting his support for Graham Platner, who withdrew from the Senate race following allegations of rape, which he denied. Collins pointed to Platner's past comments denigrating law enforcement and Jackson's previous endorsement from the Democratic Socialists of America, whose platform includes defunding the police.

The Jackson campaign refuted Collins' claims, stating Jackson is not a Democratic Socialist and does not support defunding the police. The campaign accused Collins of misrepresenting Jackson's record and highlighted her voting record with Trump, her confirmation of Kavanaugh, and her stance on economic issues.

Collins, the only Republican senator up for re-election in a state Trump lost in the 2024 election, has a history of winning tough races. Six years prior, she successfully defended her seat against Democratic challenger Sara Gideon, despite Biden carrying the state.