Collins Leads Older Voters by Nine in Maine, the Bloc That Decides Close Races

Sen. Susan Collins leads Democrat Troy Jackson by nine points among Maine voters 50 and older, the group most likely to turn out in November.

The new survey found Collins ahead 53% to 44% with that bloc, which reliably votes. Jackson holds a narrow overall edge, but it falls within the poll's 3.13-point margin of error.

Voters 50 and older: Collins 53%, Jackson 44%
All voters: Jackson 50%, Collins 47%

Jackson's cushion comes from younger voters. He leads by 25 points among voters under 50, a group that votes at lower rates, which leaves his path dependent on turnout from the young. Older voters in the poll voiced frustration over the high cost of gas, groceries and utilities.

Collins has led in other recent surveys too, 49% to 46% in one, where Jackson led women by nine points but Collins led men by 16. A separate poll had her ahead 47.1% to 46.4%, and in another, 51% of respondents viewed her favorably compared with 41% for Jackson, even as 55% said they want Democrats to control the Senate.

Collins is seeking a sixth term in a state Kamala Harris carried by seven points in 2024. She is the only Republican senator representing a state Trump did not win in any of his three campaigns, and Democrats have not won a Maine Senate race since 1988. Jackson became the Democratic nominee after Graham Platner withdrew over a sexual assault allegation he denied.

Voters decide Nov. 3, with Democrats needing a net gain of four seats to retake the Senate.