{
  "id": 14233328,
  "title": "Maine Senate Polling as Susan Collins, Troy Jackson Head Into Third Debate",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/maine-senate-polling-as-susan-collins-troy-jackson-head-into-third",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-13T15:49:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/maine-senate-polling-susan-collins-troy-jackson-head-third-debate-12561510"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Maine Senate candidates Susan Collins and Troy Jackson are scheduled to participate in their third debate on Tuesday, as polls suggest a tight race in the state. The debate will be broadcast live at 7 p.m. ET on WABI, the Bangor-based news station. This marks the third in a series of four debates held over two weeks as early voting begins in Maine. Collins and Jackson have clashed over matters like affordability, tariffs, and their stance on President Donald Trump as they vie for the support of undecided voters who could ultimately decide the outcome of the crucial election. The Senate race in Maine is considered one of the most competitive and important contests in the 2026 midterms, potentially determining which party will control the Senate in the upcoming year. Despite Maine being a Democratic-leaning state, Collins has previously defied her state's partisanship due to her popularity, bipartisan image, and chairmanship of the Appropriations Committee, which has helped bring funding back to the state. However, she is now in a competitive race against Jackson, the former president of the Maine Senate. President Trump's approval rating has declined amid economic concerns, particularly regarding the cost of living, creating a more favorable environment for Democrats. Both candidates must sharpen their approach, with Collins needing to slow down and present more substance, while Jackson must focus on substance in addition to his down-home, folksy demeanor. Current polls show a close race, with The Washington Post and George Mason University's September 30 to October 5 survey showing Collins leading by 4 points, while a Marist University poll conducted from October 1 to 4 showed Jackson leading by 4 points. A YouGov/CBS News poll from September 23 to October 1 put the candidates at a dead heat at 50% each. The RealClearPolitics polling aggregate slightly favors Jackson with a 1.2-point lead. Economic issues, particularly home heating oil prices, are expected to be significant in the debate, as over half of Maine residents rely on oil for home heating, and prices have surged due to the Iran war, reaching nearly $6 per gallon.",
  "summary": "Susan Collins and Troy Jackson are facing a close race in Maine heading into their third debate, according to recent polls.",
  "key_points": [
    "Susan Collins and Troy Jackson face off in third Senate debate on Tuesday",
    "Tight race highlighted by polls, with Collins leading 4 points and Jackson 4 points",
    "Economic factors, especially home heating oil prices, expected to be key debate topics"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}