Collins and Jackson deadlocked in Maine Senate tariff battle

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 23:20 · Archive

Republican Susan Collins and Democrat Troy Jackson are tied at 49% each in Maine's Senate race, with tariffs and the economy dominating.

Republican Sen. Susan Collins and Democrat Troy Jackson are tied at 49% apiece in Maine's Senate race, according to a Fox News poll conducted after their 15 October debate. Collins is seeking a sixth term and is the only Republican senator running for re-election in a state Trump lost in 2024. Democrats view the seat as essential to their effort to control the Senate.

Tariffs and the economy dominate the race. Maine sends more than 40% of its exports to Canada, making it particularly vulnerable to the U.S.-Canada trade war. When Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney imposed 50% retaliatory tariffs on U.S. lobster traps in September, domestic manufacturers saw their Canadian shipments dry up virtually overnight. Meanwhile, Trump's 50% tariffs on imported steel drove domestic suppliers to raise prices by 20%, squeezing producers like Brooks Trap Mill, which typically ships roughly $2 million in annual goods to Canada. Rising home heating oil prices compound the crisis: Maine depends on heating oil more than any other state.

Voters are pessimistic about their finances. Only 12% of Maine likely voters say their family is better off financially than two years ago, and more than 60% disapprove of Trump's job performance. The Fox News poll finds 53% concerned Collins votes with Trump too much, whilst 46% worry Jackson is too liberal. Democrats are more engaged: 79% say they are extremely interested in the election, compared to 61% of Republicans.

How it is being reported

• Fox News Poll: Nail-biter in Maine Senate raceSusan Collins and Troy Jackson are deadlocked at 49% in the Maine Senate race as Trump's job approval sits 25 points underwater in the state.Fox News · 22 Oct, 23:00
• Trump’s tariffs loom over Maine Senate race between Collins and JacksonThe Maine Senate race between Republican incumbent Susan Collins and Democrat Troy Jackson presents a laboratory for public sentiment on Trump's Canada tariffs.CNBC · 22 Oct, 11:00

In this story: Susan Collins · Troy Jackson · Donald Trump · Mark Carney · Maine · Canada · Brooks Trap Mill

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