Maine’s U.S. Senate Race: A Battle of Old and New Politics

Troy Jackson, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate, recently addressed the Maine Democratic Nominating Convention in Bangor. As the upcoming election day approaches, Maine is at the forefront of the political scene. The state’s Senate race could decide control of the Senate, shifting it from Republicans to Democrats.

Maine voters face key choices. Incumbent Senator Susan Collins has directed substantial funds to the state. Reelecting her would ensure continued Republican leadership in the Senate. The contest between Collins and Jackson represents more than a clash of qualified candidates. It reflects a struggle between traditional and modern political philosophies.

The concept of traditional politics was championed by the late House Speaker Tip O’Neill, who emphasized that “all politics is local.” This approach focused on funneling federal resources to specific regions. Politicians with seniority climbed to influential committee leadership roles, as seen in Collins’ career. Elected in 1996, she now chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee and has directed millions to Maine, including $190 million for rural hospitals.

Today, new politics dominate, where “all Politics Is National” in a polarized climate. Blue states grow more Democratic and red ones more Republican. Despite being a Democratic stronghold, Maine has Republican senators. Recent elections reflect this shift, with Kamala Harris defeating Donald Trump in Maine by seven points in 2024.

Figures like Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders exemplify new politics. Trump appeals to older, rural voters with declining economic opportunities. Sanders resonates with young, urban voters seeking solutions to economic inequality. Jackson is an advocate within Sanders’ movement. His political path began as a Republican in rural Maine, later switching to the Democratic Party. He rose in Maine’s State Senate, later supporting Sanders against Hillary Clinton. After Graham Platner’s campaign faltered, Jackson gained the Democratic nomination for the Senate.

During his nomination acceptance, Jackson criticized Collins for supporting tax cuts for the wealthy and confirming Supreme Court Justices who overturned Roe v. Wade. Jackson aims to be more than a Senate member; he seeks change. He opposes Sen. Chuck Schumer’s leadership and advocates for abolishing ICE. This stance gained urgency after an incident involving Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero. Furthermore, Jackson endorses Medicare for All.

Maine voters must choose between old and new politics. Frank Bragg, a retired physician, exemplifies this dilemma. A former Collins supporter, Bragg is backing Jackson. He views voting Democrat as “standing up for the country.” Citing Margaret Chase Smith’s courage against McCarthy, Bragg wishes Collins took similar stands against Trump.

The race could hinge on voters discontent with both candidates. Trump labeled Jackson a “lunatic” and socialist, while Jackson called Collins aligned with the wealthy and Trump. Collins hopes for support from split-ticket voters, but such voters are dwindling as local concerns give way to national issues. Maine reflects this shift.

John Kenneth White, professor emeritus at The Catholic University of America, writes on political topics. He authored “Democracy on the Edge: The Trump Elections and the Future of American Politics.”