Republican Susan Collins loses seat to Democrat, ending nearly 30 years in the Senate

In a race marked by controversy, Democrat Troy Jackson has defeated Republican incumbent Susan Collins in Maine's Senate election. Jackson entered the race after replacing Graham Platner, who withdrew due to a series of scandals. Collins, first elected in 1996, was the only Republican senator representing a state that has consistently voted Democratic in presidential elections since 1992.

Despite cultivating a reputation as a moderate, Jackson accused Collins of yielding to pressure from President Trump during the campaign. The two clashed during state debates, with Jackson going as far as telling the 73-year-old senator to "shut up." Jackson, a former logger, campaigned on workers' rights and accused Collins of being swayed by the president.

The controversy surrounding Platner, who has denied allegations of sexual assault, added to the already contentious election. Jackson's victory allows Democrats to gain an even larger majority in the US Senate, following wins in key states that gave them control of the chamber. Collins, though often critical of Trump's policies, was viewed as a potential swing vote during controversial legislation.

She voted to convict Trump in his second impeachment trial and against repealing the Affordable Care Act, yet backed him in crucial votes such as confirming Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court and electing Robert Kennedy Jr as Health Secretary.