Democrats in Maine have selected former state Senate president Troy Jackson as their nominee for the U.S. Senate race. He will face Republican incumbent Susan Collins in the November midterms.
Jackson, a fifth-generation logger and union organizer, replaces the previous candidate who dropped out. He holds progressive policy positions and is described as authentically working class.
The race is seen as critical for Democrats seeking a Senate majority. Collins, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, has won tough contests before and holds significant fundraising advantages in the state of 1.4 million people.
The contest unfolds 100 days before the midterms amid an unpopular war with Iran that began nearly five months ago. Recent polling shows declining support even among some Republican voters, with high prices for oil and food adding to economic concerns.
Republicans hold structural advantages including more campaign funds and fewer competitive House districts after mid-cycle redistricting.
