Cold weather and high prices could flip the Senate
This story appeared in Today, Explained, a daily newsletter that helps you understand the most compelling news and stories of the day. Throughout his second term, President Donald Trump has saddled his party with no shortage of political liabilities — from the mass pardons of January 6 convictions to ICE killings of US citizens to questionable […]
As the midterm elections heat up, one critical issue could be the key to flipping the Senate: soaring energy costs. Maine Sen. Susan Collins is trailing her Democratic opponent, Troy Jackson, by just two points in a recent poll, with the race viewed as a toss-up. However, Maine's frigid climate and heavy reliance on oil for heating could be working against Collins.
As temperatures drop, residents are expected to spend more on heating oil, driving up prices and leaving them with higher energy bills. Jackson has made Collins' failure to reduce Americans' cost of living a campaign focal point, potentially exacerbating voters' dissatisfaction with Republican policies and tipping the Senate race in the Democrats' favor.
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