The Briefing:
- Democrat Troy Jackson holds a narrow polling edge over Republican Sen. Susan Collins in Maine's pivotal Senate race, though the RealClearPolitics average of all recent surveys narrows that lead to roughly one point.
- Collins, 73, chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee and has directed more than $1.5 billion in federal spending to Maine over five years — an advantage Jackson trails by 24 points when voters are asked who can better deliver for the state.
- With Republicans holding a 53–47 Senate majority, Democrats must net four seats in November to take control — making Maine the centerpiece of any credible path to flipping the chamber.
