CBS News poll finds voters split on state v. national focus in Maine Senate race

Maine's Senate race is currently a dead heat between Republican incumbent Susan Collins and Democrat Troy Jackson, despite national political winds favoring Democrats. Collins is attracting voters concerned with state issues and those who prioritize bringing more federal funds to Maine. Jackson's campaign is bolstered by those who view Collins as too aligned with President Trump, voters opposing tariffs, and individuals seeking change over experience.

However, Collins benefits from a significant portion of voters who disapprove of Trump and have voted for her multiple times. While voters believe Jackson's policies could financially benefit them, Collins still receives support from nearly one in five of these voters. Despite voters feeling that Trump's policies have harmed Maine's economy, Collins performs well among those who have voted for her repeatedly.

Jackson faces challenges as the Democratic nominee, with a majority of Democrats and independents expressing a desire for a different candidate. Additionally, Jackson trails behind the state's Democratic gubernatorial nominee, Hannah Pingree, whose lead in the governor's race aligns closely with Maine's overall partisan lean. The CBS News/YouGov survey, conducted between September 23rd and October 1st, 2026, involved a representative sample of 1,114 registered Maine voters, with a margin of error of ±4.7 points.